Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions 5. Conclusion The first step for NHRIs is to recognise that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people, like other people, are entitled to the full range of human rights. Yet, human rights violations based on sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics occur in every country, and people are at risk of violations based on these attributes. NHRIs therefore have a responsibility to respond with effective action to promote and protect the human rights of LGB, T and I people. They can do so through activities relating to each of their key functions: advice, education and awareness raising, monitoring, complaint handling, court interventions, advocacy, and cooperation and engagement both domestically and internationally. The national inquiry process can be a very effective mechanism for NHRIs to address the systemic nature of such human rights violations. This mainstreaming guide provides many suggested actions, and shares examples from NHRIs across this region about ways to start or extend this work. The APF is committed to supporting its member institutions in the promotion and protection of the human rights of LGB, T and I people. The APF welcomes any case studies or information that NHRIs may wish to submit in relation to their work in these areas. The APF has a dedicated website page and NHRI activities can also be posted here: www.asiapacificforum.net/human-rights/sogisc/ If your NHRI wishes to submit any studies, court cases, reports, photographs, videos or updates in relation to its SOGISC work please forward them to: Pip Dargan Deputy Director and Gender Focal Point Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions E: pipdargan@asiapacificforum.net 26