Annual Report 2011–2012 Iraq With the Iraqi Government in the process of selecting members to form the country’s new NHRI, a workshop was held in Beirut, Lebanon, from 2–6 July 2011 to support the Committee of Experts, the panel appointed to oversee the selection of Commission members. Participants also involved the six-member secretariat responsible for preparing a shortlist of candidates to be considered by the selection committee. The program was jointly organised by the APF, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq and the UNDP. The workshop provided members of the selection committee and the secretariat with information and skills to establish a transparent, efficient and accountable selection procedure that meets the international standards set out in the Paris Principles. The APF, the Assistance Mission and the NHRI of Jordan shared their experiences and perspectives on international standards, existing domestic procedures and best practice in the Asia Pacific region. Participants discussed the role and functions of NHRIs and looked at best practice examples in relation to selection criteria and selection processes. They also engaged in practical exercises around shortlisting, interviews and preparing selection reports. The legislation establishing the High Commission on Human Rights was passed by Iraq’s Parliament in November 2008. A Committee of Experts was initially established in September 2009; however the selection process was suspended following the dissolution of Parliament ahead of the 2010 general elections. The process was restarted at the beginning of 2011 and members of the Committee of Experts were formally endorsed on 16 June 2011. The Committee of Experts is comprised of eight members of the Council of Representatives; two members of Council of Ministers; two members of the High Judicial Council; two representatives of civil society organisations; and an observer from the Assistance Mission. It is anticipated that the Committee of Experts will complete the selection process within the coming months. A recommendation of 11 members and three substitutes will be provided to the Parliament for its consideration. Central Asia The APF was invited to provide a presentation on the role and functions of NHRIs to Central Asia institutions. The event was organised by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and was held from 11–14 July 2012 in Vilnius, Lithuania. In addition, at the request of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Government of Lithuania, the APF met with the President of Lithuania and the Minister for Justice to discuss the establishment of a NHRI in Lithuania. China The APF was invited to lecture at the China University for Political Science and Law ‘Human Rights Summer School’ in Beijing. From 18–21 July 2012 the APF provided post-graduate students with information on the role and functions of NHRIs and the minimum international standards contained in the Paris Principles. The APF also held discussions regarding the possible establishment of a NHRI in China. At the conclusion of the summer school the China University publicly announced its proposal for the establishment of a NHRI. Palau A week-long series of consultations on the establishment of a NHRI was held with key stakeholders in Palau from 1–5 August 2011. The consultations followed a preliminary visit to Palau in April 2011 by the APF and PIFS, in response to an invitation from the Government of Palau to discuss the roles and functions of NHRIs. 3. Promote compliance with the Paris Principles | 35