Building stronger National human rights institutions 3 14 From conducting inquiries and investigating complaints through to running education programs and advising government on laws and policies, NHRIs work at the frontline to promote and protect human rights. We also hosted a retreat for the leadership team of the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines in March 2018. In the face of ongoing threats and criticism from the highest levels of government, the retreat was an opportunity for Commissioners and senior managers to reflect on their work to monitor and investigate serious human rights violations taking place in the country. During the year, the APF assisted the NHRIs of Malaysia (September 2017) and Pakistan (January 2018) to conduct a capacity assessment of their institutions. Capacity assessments enable an NHRI to identify practical steps they can take to strengthen their institutions so they can deliver tangible change on human rights. The APF facilitates these programs in partnership with UNDP and OHCHR. We also worked with the NHRIs of Indonesia (April 2018), Samoa (April 2018) and the Maldives (June 2018) to review their progress in implementing recommendations from previous capacity assessments. BUILDING SKILLS THAT DRIVE CHANGE In 2017–18, the APF delivered professional training programs that responded to needs our members raised with us. We hosted national training programs – on the rights of women and girls (India), on the Sustainable Development Goals (Bahrain) and on media and communications (Philippines) – for NHRI staff and Commissioners in those countries. 6 very high high medium low very low no response The APF provides a range of services to support our members to be as effective as possible, often in challenging political and social contexts. Depending on its legislation, a new leadership team will be appointed to an NHRI every three to five years. In March 2018, the APF hosted a High Level Dialogue for the incoming Commissioners of the Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights, to discuss their shared priorities and how they can use the NHRI’s mandate to drive change. The need to focus on the rights of women and girls across all areas of the NHRI’s work was a major theme in these conversations. 1 ANNUAL MEMBER SURVEY 2018: VALUE TO MEMBERS OF BUILDING STRONGER NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2017–18 • Supported six NHRIs to assess and strengthen their capacity to promote and protect human rights • Provided 162 NHRI staff and Commissioners from across the region with knowledge and skills that will bolster their efforts in monitoring and advocating for human rights We also organised regional training programs for APF members on monitoring and reporting and on human rights facilitation, as well as a professional development program for members of the APF Communications Network. A total of 162 NHRI representatives (55% male, 45% female) took part in these six training programs. Over five programs where data was gathered, an overwhelming majority of participants (95%) said the training helped them in their day-to-day work. Many APF members reported making changes to internal policies or the way they approached their work. Some used small grants provided by the APF to apply their learning to research and advocacy projects that they developed. APF trainers and facilitators ensure that issues related to gender are considered at every stage of the design and delivery of these programs. WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/USER/ASIAPACIFICFORUM 10 ASIA PACIFIC FORUM OF NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS