ANNUAL REPORT 2014–2015 About the APF The APF is a progressive organisation directed towards bringing about genuine change and reform. We need this kind of collective spirit in addressing questions of injustice, impunity and inequity. LORETTA ROSALES OUTGOING CHAIRPERSON, COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE PHILIPPINES SOURCE: APF INTERVIEW, MARCH 2015 The Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (the APF) is the leading human rights organisation in the region. Established in 1996, we are a coalition of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) from all corners of the Asia Pacific. NHRIs are independent bodies, established by law or in the constitution, to promote and protect human rights in their respective countries. While they are established by the government, they operate independently from government. The APF brings member institutions together to develop a shared vision and shared strategies to tackle many of the most serious and complex human rights challenges in the region. We also develop partnerships at the international and regional levels to promote and protect human rights, raise the profile of NHRIs and ensure that the collective voice of our members is heard. Mongolia Kazakhstan Strong and effective NHRIs help bridge the “protection gap” between the rights of individuals and the responsibilities of the State by: • Monitoring the human rights situation in the country and the actions of the State South Korea Afghanistan Iraq Palestine Jordan Nepal Bahrain Qatar India Bangladesh Oman • Providing advice to ensure the State meets its international and domestic human rights commitments Myanmar Thailand Philippines Sri Lanka Malaysia • Receiving, investigating and resolving complaints of human rights violations Maldives Indonesia Timor Leste Samoa • Undertaking human rights education programs for all sections of the community. Unlike the other regions in the world, there is no regional court or protection system covering the Asia Pacific that people can turn to when their human rights are violated. The depiction and use of boundaries, geographic names and related data shown on this Australia Full Members New Zealand Associate Members map are not warranted to be error free nor do they necessarily New NHRIs imply official endorsement or (not currently accredited with the ICC) This makes the role of NHRIs in our region even more critical. acceptance by the APF The APF provides practical support and advice to our members in order to help them be as effective as possible. We also provide advice and expertise to governments and civil society groups in the region to support the establishment of independent NHRIs that meet the international standards set out in the Paris Principles. OUR VISION An Asia Pacific region where everyone enjoys human rights. 3