NHRIs are drivers of change NHRIs are established by law with powers to promote and protect human rights. Importantly, they operate independently from government. This means they are uniquely positioned to make change happen by: • Monitoring the human rights situation in the country and making their findings available to the public in order to raise awareness of human rights abuses, to publically hold perpetrators to account, and to protect and uphold the rights of vulnerable peoples • Providing advice to government so that laws and policies reflect and comply with fundamental national and international human rights standards • Receiving, investigating and resolving complaints so that victims of human rights violations can be heard, have a means of seeking redress and can be protected against further abuse • Delivering human rights education programs that help change attitudes and behaviour on the part of institutions, law enforcement agencies and the community, particularly in relation to the use of violence and torture, and the treatment of marginalised and discriminated persons • Engaging with the international human rights community to raise pressing issues and advocate for recommendations that make a difference back home. NHRIs established in compliance with the United Nations ‘Principles Relating to the Status of National Institutions’ (more commonly known as the Paris Principles) are provided with an explicit mandate to protect, promote and monitor human rights as enshrined under their constitution and international law. The APF provides the leadership teams and staff of NHRIs in the region with advice, training and support so they can be powerful advocates for human rights and deliver tangible changes that improve people’s lives. This Strategic Plan provides an overview of the APF’s key activities for the five year period 2015 to 2020. Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions Strategic Plan 2015–2020 4