Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions Appendix 1: Model concept note on capacity assessment for NHRIs ASIA PACIFIC FORUM OF NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS CAPACITY ASSESSMENT FOR NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS IN THE ASIA PACIFIC Proposed Capacity Assessment of the [National Human Rights Institution] of [country] Introduction Since 2008 the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Institutions and Regional Mechanisms Section (NIRMS) of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have undertaken a project to support the institutional capacity development of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in the Asia Pacific region through capacity assessments (CAs). Under the project they have facilitated XX CAs for NHRIs in the region. The CA of the [insert name of NHRI] will be the yth CA. CAs assist NHRIs to generate an understanding of their capacity strengths and needs and to develop strategies to fill capacity gaps. They are one of the first steps of the capacity development process. They use a self-assessment process, facilitated by a team, to identify capacity strengths and needs of the individual NHRI and to develop capacity development strategies and actions to address those needs. In close consultation with the NHRI, the CA team produces an analytical report of the self-assessment, measuring required future capacities of the NHRI against its current capacities and proposing capacity development strategies and actions. This report is presented to the NHRI in draft form for discussion and joint finalisation. The benefits for NHRIs in developing and implementing capacity development strategies that result from CAs are immense. The approach is a systematic approach to the capacity assets and needs of the NHRI. It fosters engagement of all NHRI members and staff and key external stakeholders, often across sectors. It leads to capacity development initiatives that are strategic, longer term and integrated, rather than ad hoc and fragmented. Since 2008 the following APF members have undertaken a CA: • [list the name of the NHRI and year for each CA that has been undertaken] Project overview Objective To develop strategies to address the most important capacity needs of the [National Human Rights Institution] of [country]. 54