2 Opportunities and challenges for engaging inter-governmental systems in the Asia-Pacific region The absence of a region-wide human rights system in Asia-Pacific underscores the importance of fostering robust engagement among all institutions responsible for developing policies or taking action on human rights issues. Specifically, various intergovernmental systems have the potential to play a role in promoting and protecting human rights, including those of HRDs, in the region. ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) AICHR is tasked with promoting and protecting human rights among member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It engages in dialogue, capacity building, and formulating recommendations to enhance human rights standards. Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) PIF serves as a regional organization facilitating cooperation among Pacific Island countries. It addresses human rights through dialogue and collaboration on regional issues, potentially influencing policies affecting HRDs. In recent years, there have also been numerous dialogues about forms of human rights mechanisms for the Pacific. League of Arab States The Arab human rights system is focused on promoting human rights standards and cooperation among Arab League member states, primarily through the Arab Charter on Human Rights and the Arab Human Rights Committee. These intergovernmental systems have varying mechanisms, degrees of influence, and limitations in terms of addressing human rights issues, including those affecting HRDs. Some common challenges include a lack of enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance, political influence and lack of independence, limited mandates that do not fully align with international human rights standards, and resource constraints that hinder their operational effectiveness. In this context, NHRIs can explore innovative approaches to engage with inter-governmental mechanisms in the region, beyond traditional advocacy methods. For instance, NHRIs in Southeast Asia can raise concerns related to HRDs with AICHR or through their respective country’s AICHR representative. There is also potential for NHRIs to collaborate with regional inter-governmental mechanisms in other parts of the world, such as engaging with the European Union on human rights issues in Asia-Pacific states affected by EU trade agreements. Additionally, working with organisations like the Asia Pacific Forum (APF), NHRIs can engage to build and strengthen inter-governmental mechanisms and enhance their role in protecting and promoting rights, including the rights of HRDs. Reference • APF, Collaboration between NHRIs and Inter-governmental mechanisms Engaging with Regional and International Actors Toolkit 15