ANNUAL REPORT 2014–2015 The APF has a vital role to play in safeguarding national human rights institutions when they are under attack and speaking out against those acts of reprisal. PHIL LYNCH DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL SERVICE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS SOURCE: APF INTERVIEW, MARCH 2015 3. Contributing at the national level APF members reported that their relationships with their respective parliaments, executives and judiciary were mixed but generally good. They said they could simultaneously experience positive and challenging relationships with each of the three groups. Some APF members, however, experienced very challenging relationships. There were three instances this year of reprisals and threats to the independence of APF members. The APF offered strategic and ongoing support to each of these members. RESPONDING TO REPRISALS AND THREATS TO INDEPENDENCE In September 2014, the Supreme Court of the Maldives launched a suo moto case against the five members of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives for treason. The case concerned comments regarding the Supreme Court which were included in the Commission’s report to the UPR of the Maldives. In its submission to the UPR, the Commission cited criticism of the Maldivian judicial system by the UN’s independent experts. On 16 June 2015 the Supreme Court handed down its verdict, declaring the Commission’s UPR submission “unlawful” and requiring the Commission to abide by a set of 11 very broad guidelines in carrying out its activities. One such guideline set out that the Commission should refrain from communicating with international bodies other than through the government. Throughout, this period the APF updated members on developments and engaged with the international community. The UN sought advice from the APF on how to deal with the issue, with the APF ensuring that the Commission endorsed any of its measures in advance. In September 2014, the APF wrote two letters to the President of the Maldives, urging the President to preserve the independence of the Commission and to guarantee the immunity of its members. We offered to send a delegation to the Maldives in November 2014 to meet with the Commission, Attorney-General and other relevant stakeholders. The Commission decided not to proceed with the APF delegation as it felt it may have a negative impact on its relationship with the AttorneyGeneral. The APF continues to maintain close personal contact with the Commissioners. 29