SUPPORTING APF MEMBERS FOR ACCREDITATION Despite undergoing its reaccreditation at a time of transition, with a new leadership team appointed, the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission was reaccredited with ‘A status’ during the year. The APF provided detailed advice and support in the lead-up to the accreditation session in October 2019. Reaccreditation assesses the extent to which an NHRI complies with the Paris Principles, both in its legislation and its practice. ‘A status’ grants an NHRI the right to participate in the work of the UN Human Rights Council. It also strengthens the credibility of the NHRI within the country. “I was anxious to protect the Commission’s ‘A status’, particularly considering the political climate in Afghanistan and discussions around the peace process. APF colleagues worked closely with me, provided me with guidance, and that support was invaluable.” SHAHARZAD AKBAR CHAIRPERSON, AFGHANISTAN INDEPENDENT HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION During the year, the APF provided technical support and advice to the new leadership team of Afghanistan’s NHRI in the lead-up to their accreditation review by GANHRI in October 2019. The NHRI was successful in retaining its ‘A status’. The APF also provided advice on accreditation to the NHRIs of Mongolia, Fiji and Uzbekistan. GANHRI postponed the March 2020 accreditation session because of COVID-19 restrictions. In January 2020, the APF and its sub-regional office in West Asia hosted a three-day workshop on the international accreditation process involving 11 NHRIs listed for accreditation or reaccreditation. Featuring presentations, discussions and practical activities, the goal was to support participating NHRIs so they felt prepared and confident at each stage of the accreditation process. “Before I attended this workshop, I didn’t know much about the procedure or how to write a statement of compliance but now I have confidence.” PARTICIPANT FROM THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF KOREA ANNUAL REPORT 2019–20 9