The APF provided timely and high-quality advice to support each of our members seeking international accreditation. Our members reported that the advice they received was clear, detailed and allowed them to participate confidently in the accreditation process. Advisory services In 2015–2016, the APF responded to 31 requests for legal and policy advice from a broad range of groups, including our members, GANHRI, governments, UN agencies, civil society organisations and universities. The majority of requests for advice came from APF members, including in relation to: >> An NHRI’s legislative or practical compliance with existing international standards >> Addressing issues that were likely to impact on the effectiveness and efficient operation of NHRIs >> Accreditation or reaccreditation. We also provided advice to other stakeholders, which included representations to a national parliamentary inquiry on the death penalty; to GANHRI on amendments to its statute and accreditation procedure; and to civil society organisations on the structure, functions and founding law of an NHRI. One way that we assess the quality and relevance of our advice is by comparing the issues we raise with our members against the issues raised in the recommendations of GANHRI’s Sub-Committee on Accreditation. Last year, the advice we provided to our members undertaking the accreditation process was reflected in 18 of the 24 issues noted by the Sub-Committee. We also seek to support our members in very tangible ways, such as strengthening their founding legislation. Last year we provided advice and good practice examples to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea in relation to two issues: having an open and transparent selection process for Commissioners and enhancing the independence of the NHRI. The Commission used this advice to successfully lobby the government for changes to its founding legislation. The changes also assisted the Commission in being reaccredited with ‘A status’. GIVING NHRIs A STRONG VOICE ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE ‘A status’ NHRIs are able to participate independently at meetings of the UN Human Rights Council, the human rights treaty bodies and in the Universal Periodic Review. Advances are also being made to open up UN processes in New York to the participation of NHRIs. In other words, ‘A status’ accreditation gives NHRIs a voice to raise pressing issues, share information and recommend solutions to advance the rights of vulnerable groups in their respective countries. To ensure consistency and to minimise duplication, the APF considers the accreditation decisions of GANHRI to determine APF membership status. Full membership of the APF is equivalent ‘A status’ accreditation and associate membership is equivalent to ‘B status’ accreditation. Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions Annual Report 2015–16 > 9