The Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions The Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) is a regional membership based organisation. It supports, through cooperation, the establishment and development of national human rights institutions that protect and promote the human rights of the peoples of the region. Comprised of independent national human rights institutions (NHRIs), the APF plays a unique role in developing a regional human rights dialogue, networks and practical programmes of support. Through its member NHRIs, it is well positioned to directly influence the development of human rights law and practice in the Asia Pacific. The Advisory Council of Jurists The Advisory Council of Jurists (ACJ) advises the APF on the interpretation and application of international human rights standards. The establishment of the ACJ reflects the Forum Council’s recognition of: the need for independent, authoritative advice on international human rights questions; and, the value in developing regional jurisprudence relating to the interpretation and application of international human rights standards. The ACJ has considered seven references: environment (2007), education (2006); torture (2005); anti-terrorism legislation and the rule of law (2004); trafficking of women and children (2002); death penalty (2000); and the regulation of child pornography on the internet (2000). The ACJ is comprised of eminent jurists who have held high judicial office or senior academic or human rights appointments. Current members are: • Dato’ Ranita Mohammed Hussein (Malaysia (President 2008/9*)) • Professor Andrea Durbach (Australia)* • • Dr. Qasim Hashimzai (Afghanistan) Mr Fali S Nariman (India) • Professor Jacob E Sahetapy (Indonesia) • Mr Jugnee Amarsanaa (Mongolia)* • • Hon Mr Daman Nath Dhungana (Nepal) Justice Susan Glazebrook (New Zealand)* • Dr. Purificacion V. Quisumbing (Philippines) • • Professor Nohyun Kwak (Republic of Korea)* Mr Nihal Jayamanne PC (Sri Lanka)* • 1 Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn (Thailand)*  denotes attendance at the 2008 ACJ Meeting During the reporting period, the Advisory Council welcomed one new member, Dr. Purificacion V. Quisumbing (Philippines), and bade farewell to retiring member, Professor Jacob E Sahetapy (Indonesia). Acknowledgements The Advisory Council of Jurists would like to thank its President, Dato’ Ranita Mohammed Hussein, for her skilful chairmanship of the ACJ during the term of this reference. The Jurists were greatly assisted in their deliberations by Ms Marie Busck (Danish Institute for Human Rights), Mr Phillip Koh (Mah-Kamariyah and Philip Koh), Ms Vanessa Zimmerman (Office of the SRSG), the International Service for Human Rights and representatives from Forum Asia. The Jurists would like to express their gratitude to the secretariat of the Asia Pacific Forum for their assistance during the meeting and in preparing drafts of this report and the background paper. The Jurists also wish to acknowledge the able and expert assistance provided by the staff of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia during their 2008 meeting. -2-