THE RIGHT TO LIVE FREE & EQUAL Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people in the Asia Pacific region can experience shocking levels of violence, harassment and discrimination. For a number of years now, many APF members have played an important role in responding to these violations and countering the prejudice that fuels these acts. The APF has helped deliver a ground-breaking initiative that will make a genuine difference for LGBTI communities across the Asia Pacific. EDMUND SETTLE UNDP BANGKOK REGIONAL HUB In 2016, the APF and UNDP Asia Pacific Regional Hub launched an 18-month program of support to equip our members with additional knowledge and tools to bolster their work with LGBTI communities. The partnership has delivered: • Training for 60 representatives from NHRIs and LGBTI organisations in South Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific • Guidelines to support NHRIs in their efforts to “mainstream” LGBTI human rights considerations into their strategic plans and work programs • A world-first publication on human rights in relation to sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics • An international conference to mark the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Yogyakarta Principles. ANNUAL REPORT 2016–17 13