TACKLING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN In a year when the #metoo campaign has started a global conversation on sexual harassment and assault, APF members have continued their courageous work to address the many different manifestations of violence against women. In the past year, they have: • Made recommendations to reduce the prevalence of sexual assault and sexual harassment within university settings (Australia) • Conducted public hearings and finalised a landmark national inquiry into family violence (Samoa) • Prepared a comprehensive annual report on violence against women, with recommendations to address its causes (Afghanistan) • Recorded allegations of violence among female Rohingya refugees (Bangladesh) • Identified causes and trends in the trafficking of vulnerable women and girls (Nepal) • Advocated for legal reform requiring employers to adopt policies on family violence (New Zealand) • Recognised the courage and contribution of women human rights defenders (Thailand). PROTECTING RIGHTS IN RURAL AREAS NHRIs from around the globe continued their advocacy efforts at UN Commission on the Status of Women in March 2018. CSW 62 focused on the challenges and opportunities for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls living in rural areas. Speaking at a side event organised by the APF and GANHRI, the NHRIs of Afghanistan, Australia and the Philippines highlighted issues such as poor access to public services, limited decision making power, unequal access to land and resources and the widespread incidence of harmful practices. They also described the powerful ways that NHRIs can work to remedy these issues, especially through their regional offices, by regularly meeting with communities of women, taking up their complaints, supporting them with information and resources and advocating for their rights. ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18 13