Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions Strategic Plan 2022-27 Our strategic context Development of the APF Strategic Plan This strategy was developed in a complex context that presents opportunities and challenges which will impact our work over the next five years. Our strategy has considered and will respond to this context through the outcomes and human rights priorities we have identified. The development of the APF Strategic Plan started with broad consultations with APF members and key stakeholders. This consultation process used a ‘PESTEL’ analysis as a strategic framework to evaluate the external environment of the APF and its work with NHRIs over the next 5 years by breaking down the opportunities and risks into Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal factors. The APF is operating in a political context that is characterised by shrinking human rights spaces. There has been a rise in the number of authoritarian nations in the region and populist political ideologies have begun to undermine a rules-based order and erode democratic traditions that are crucial to protecting human rights. It is anticipated that increasing geo-political instability will spill over into countries across the region. NHRIs will need to become more proactive in ensuring human rights are respected and protected. The APF will support the work of NHRIs in this space by prioritising the protection of human rights defenders. We will ensure that NHRIs maintain a broad legal mandate and that they are able to deliver on this mandate by building their operational capability. We will continue to provide support to NHRIs navigating human rights crises and protect them from threats of reprisals. From these consultations, the APF held a series of externally facilitated workshops to develop a draft strategic plan based on the feedback from its members, external stakeholders and internal perspectives. The draft strategic plan was then circulated to members and external stakeholders for a second round of consultations and feedback. The revised draft strategic plan was then provided to the APF Governance Committee for their consideration and comment. Disruptions to the global economy caused by COVID-19 and geo-political tensions have deepened economic inequality in the Asia Pacific. An increasing level of inequality has a negative impact on the harmony and social development of a society. More people are at risk of living in poverty with an increased likelihood of conflict and crime. NHRIs are a powerful tool for nations to ensure they are meeting their human rights commitments. The APF will continue to build the capacity and capabilities of NHRIs by providing them with resources, expert advice and training opportunities to effectively engage with their governments to promote equality. Social factors across the Asia Pacific such as demographic trends, power structures in the society, women’s participation in political, economic and social life and the situation of marginalised groups have an immense impact on the protection and promotion of human rights. The social exclusion of women and minority groups can lead to human rights violations. NHRIs play a key role in promoting respect for human rights. The APF will work with NHRIs to raise awareness around the importance of ensuring the equal application of human rights to women and marginalised groups. We will continue to integrate gender mainstreaming into all our activities and assist NHRIs in creating more gender equitable workplaces. Environmentally, nations across the region have, and will, continue to feel the devastating effects of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. The severity and frequency of extreme weather events and natural disasters will increase. Traditions and cultures based on connection to place will be threatened. Nations are experiencing environmental degradation at an alarming rate, with pollution threatening the health and safety of communities NHRIs are well-positioned to inspire action on the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment. The APF will prioritise the promotion and protection of the right to a healthy environment in response to the adverse impacts of environmental degradation and climate change. We will support NHRIs to build their capability to respond to, promote and protect the right to a healthy environment by increasing their skills and expertise in relation to these issues. 8 9