ANNUAL REPORT 2014–2015 MEMBER PARTICIPATION IN UN AND INTERNATIONAL BODIES NHRIs have demonstrated a strong level of engagement in relation to the UPR process and in following up recommendations made to their respective governments. There continues to be a consistent level of engagement with the human rights treaty bodies. However, there appears to be less engagement with the UN special procedure mechanisms (see Figure 6). Our members, as with other NHRIs around the globe, are increasingly seeing the benefits that arise from their unique participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council and its mechanisms, in terms of raising critical issues and advocating for practical recommendations that can be made to their respective States. While APF members provided a number of positive examples of their engagement with the international human rights system, others expressed frustration over the lack of NHRI participation rights in some UN bodies, such as the Commission on the Status of Women, and the high costs of travel to Geneva to participate in UN meetings. In a very concerning case, the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives suffered significant reprisal following its engagement with the UPR process in 2014. From 2011 to 2014, the number of NHRIs contributing to sessions of the Human Rights Council increased from 21 per year to 31 per year. NHRIs have also been quick to make use of new modes of participation. In March 2011, three NHRIs participated in the Human Rights Council by submitting recording video messages. By September 2014, this number had increased to 12. Figure 6: Member engagement with UN processes Follow up recommendations with your State 16 Monitor proceedings and outcomes 15 11 Participate in proceedings independently 14 5 Submit a parallel report 11 9 Speak at a plenary session 4 Participate or arrange in parallel sessions 5 5 5 4 Participate in proceedings as part of your State's delegation 4 4 1 1 8 9 11 5 8 3 2 Universal Periodic Review Treaty body review 3 3 2 Special procedures mandate Source: APF Member Survey 2015 27