during covid-19, the apf will be more important than ever During the past year, individuals and communities around the world and across our region have faced challenges unlike any before. The COVID-19 pandemic has upended lives, plunging millions of people in the Asia Pacific into situations of extreme vulnerability: women, older people, people with disabilities, migrant workers and people in places of detention. As countries across the region grappled to contain the spread of COVID-19, APF members have worked tirelessly to help keep their communities safe, inclusive and cohesive. They have called for human rights to be respected in planning and implementing public health strategies. They have monitored access to health services. And they have stood resolutely against the voices of fear and prejudice. APF members have also been courageous advocates for the rule of law in situations where their government has declared a state of emergency or instituted hard lockdowns. This independent scrutiny by NHRIs is crucial as it helps ensure that governments use these powers carefully and for the good of the community, consistent with international human rights standards. Throughout this period, the APF has played a vital role: to support our members with advice and capacity development activities; to foster collaboration and exchange; and to stand in solidarity with one another, especially in the most difficult of times. As we continue to face the challenges of upholding human rights during COVID-19, our collegiality will be more important than ever. Leading change on human rights issues is complex, long-term work. However, as this annual report demonstrates, much can be achieved when we work together, with courage and conviction. Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM President, Australian Human Rights Commission Chairperson, Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions Over the past 12 months, three staff members of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission were killed in targeted attacks for carrying out their human rights work. Together, APF members expressed their shock and outrage at these deplorable crimes. We also addressed the UN Human Rights Council and called for greater protection for Afghanistan’s NHRI, along with all human rights defenders in the country. This strong and genuine collegiality is a hallmark of the APF. Despite the social and cultural differences that exist within our membership, we are bound by a shared commitment to uphold and defend fundamental human rights, as well as the people who work every day to build fair and inclusive communities. WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/USER/ASIAPACIFICFORUM 4 ASIA PACIFIC FORUM OF NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS