Annual Report 2013–2014 A strength of the APF is the quality and depth of collaboration that exists between its members. The APF’s annual meetings, professional networks and staff placement programs each provide opportunities to deepen those links, share experiences and develop cooperative programs of work. 2.1. COOPERATION AND ENGAGEMENT EVALUATION FINDINGS Outcome indicator Engagement Performance rating On track The APF benefits from the expertise, knowledge and support that its member institutions contribute through participating on the Forum Council (which is the APF’s board of directors) and at APF annual meetings. In turn, member institutions benefit from the cooperative relationships established through the APF’s programs and services. Overall, members remain highly engaged with APF processes and find the APF’s services relevant. Paris Principles Conference An international workshop to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Principles was hosted by the National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Korea, in Seoul, Korea on 13 September 2013. With more than a hundred NHRIs now operating in countries across the globe, the workshop examined the extent to which the Paris Principles are able to fulfil their goal of promoting and protecting human rights. Adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1993, the Paris Principles set out the minimum standards required by NHRIs to be considered credible and to operate effectively. Workshop participants also shared examples of good practice regarding the establishment and operation of NHRIs; considered how to build closer partnerships between NHRIs and other stakeholders; and looked at strategies to increase their engagement with the international human rights system. 18th Annual Meeting and Biennial Conference The National Human Rights Committee of Qatar hosted the APF’s 18th Annual Meeting and Biennial Conference in Doha, Qatar, from 1-3 October 2013. The Annual Meeting was attended by representatives from all the APF’s member institutions. The APF Forum Council unanimously approved the applications of the NHRIs of Oman and Samoa for associate membership. This increased the number of APF member institutions up to 21, including 15 full members and six associate members. The National Human Rights Commission of Oman was established by Royal Decree in 2008 for the “protection of human rights and freedom in the Sultanate according to basic statute of the state and the international covenants and agreements”. The Decree specifies that the Commission shall be independent. On 30 May 2013, the Parliament of Samoa passed legislation to establish an independent NHRI for the Pacific Island country. The legislation broadens the role of the Office of the Ombudsman (Komesina o Sulufaiga) to include a range of human rights functions. 2. Enhance members’ communication, cooperation and engagement | 21