Note The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the APF concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. ISBN 978-0-9873578-0-9 (print) ISBN 978-0-9873578-1-6 (electronic) International Human Rights and the International Human Rights System: A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions © Copyright Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions July 2012 The APF permits the free reproduction of extracts from this publication provided that due acknowledgement is given and a copy of the publication carrying the extract is sent to the following address: Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions GPO Box 5218 Sydney NSW 1042 Australia Credits United Nations photographs are the property of the United Nations, which holds all rights in connection with their usage. Cover photographs Left: A gift to the United Nations from Canada, known as the “Canadian Doors”, which lead into the General Assembly lobby. UN Photo by Evan Schneider. Centre: A wide view of the Human Rights Council at its 18th session, in Geneva, Switzerland. UN Photo by Jean-Marc Ferré. Bottom: Palais Wilson Geneva, home of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Photo by Niklas Plutte.