In South-East Asia, this may be an annual dialogue between national Representatives to AICHR and representatives of the South-East Asia National Human Rights Institution Forum (SEANF). In the Pacific, this may be an annual dialogue between representatives of all IGM bodies – PIFS, SPC and SPREP/PCCC – and NHRIs from the sub-region. Representatives from States that are in the process of establishing an NHRI may be invited to attend as observers. NHRI contribution to regional processes and priorities NHRIs can identify opportunities where they can, individually or collectively, contribute to human rights priorities being addressed at the regional level through their respective IGMs. Potential NHRI actions can include using their monitoring, reporting and advisory functions to contribute independent information and analysis to regional processes, or using their education function to raise awareness at the national level of regional priorities and developments. These actions may be supported by IGMs creating space for NHRIs to host or contribute to side events or dialogues, in parallel with their regular meetings, to give visibility to the work and contribution of NHRIs. In South-East Asia, this could include NHRIs continuing to monitor and contribute to the development of a proposed Regional Framework on Environmental Rights in ASEAN. For example, like the NHRIs of Thailand and the Philippines, other NHRIs may prepare a submission and recommendations to support the work of their national Representative to AICHR. In addition, NHRIs can contribute by disseminating information to the community and supporting the work of their AICHR representative in other ways. The invitation by Malaysia’s Representative to AICHR for the APF to convene a side event at the AICHR-EU Regional Consultation on Business and Human Rights, Environment and Climate Change in ASEAN, held in Kuala Lumpur in May 2023, is an example of how intergovernmental mechanisms can give visibility to and support the contribution of NHRIs on priority human rights issues. In the Pacific, this could include NHRIs supporting implementation of regional initiatives such as the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy at the national level and promoting accountability for these commitments in their country contexts. A possible side event at the next Pacific Leaders meeting, co-convened by SPREP, the APF and NHRIs, would give visibility to the work of NHRIs to promote human rights-based action on climate change and people-centred development. National partnerships and collaboration NHRIs can identify opportunities to engage with their respective IGMs at the national level. This may include inviting representatives of their IGMs to contribute to NHRI events or consultations, or holding regular bilateral meetings with those representatives. In addition, sharing their operational expertise with IGMs – for example, an NHRI may convene an advisory panel for youth, women or LGBTI+ persons – can streamline information gathering or consultation processes for IGMs and avoid ‘reinventing the wheel’. Importantly, strong relationships at the national level can support additional opportunities for engagement with regional processes. - 37 -