Chairperson’s message I am pleased to present the APF Annual Report, which highlights our impact and achievements in protecting and promoting human rights in the Asia Pacific region. The report highlights our work from July 2021 to June 2022, explores key human rights issues in the region, and proposes ways forward. Over the past year, the human rights situation in the Asia Pacific region has not always been positive. The ongoing COVID pandemic continues to reverberate throughout the region, exacerbating inequalities. Fundamental human rights continue to be challenged by geopolitical instability and authoritarian regimes. Human rights defenders are routinely targeted for their work and often face imprisonment or violent reprisals. Despite these circumstances, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in the region have remained steadfast in their commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights in their countries. The APF, a coalition of 26 NHRIs in the Asia Pacific region, assisted member organisations in the effective implementation of their mandates, including providing advice on accreditation and supporting the establishment of new NHRIs. We developed the skills of our members through our capacity assessment and capacity development programmes, enabling them to work more independently and effectively. During the year, we strengthened the capacity of NHRIs to reduce gender gaps by delivering programmes on gender equality and the protection of human rights in relation to sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics (SOGISC). The rich discussions and case studies shared by NHRIs also led to the development of a resource guide on responding to the impact of the COVID pandemic on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) communities. 8 Throughout the year, we brought our members together to address human rights issues at the regional level. We were pleased to host the APF Virtual Dialogue Series, which provided a platform for NHRIs across the region to share their work on a number of key issues, including the monitoring of detention centres during COVID and the rights of persons with disabilities. To amplify the voices of NHRIs in regional and international fora, we also strengthened our work with inter-governmental mechanisms (IGMs) and identified opportunities for future engagement. Achieving effective change on complex human rights issues in the region is challenging, long-term work. As we look back on the APF’s achievements over the past year, they are the result of the collective efforts of many organisations, institutions and human rights defenders working together for shared outcomes. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our member organisations, our partners and human rights defenders around the world for working together to create change. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Paris Principles. The APF looks forward to working with you all towards an Asia Pacific where everyone can enjoy their human rights equally and stand in solidarity with each other. Thank you. Doo-Hwan Song Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission of Korea Chairperson, Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions APF Annual Report 2021-2022