The Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions The Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) is a regional membership based organisation. It supports, through cooperation, the establishment and strengthening of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) that protect and promote the human rights of the peoples of the region. The APF plays a unique role in developing a regional human rights dialogue, networks and practical programmes of support. Through its member NHRIs it is well positioned to directly influence the development of human rights law and practice in the Asia Pacific. The Advisory Council of Jurists The Advisory Council of Jurists (ACJ) advises the APF on the interpretation and application of international human rights standards. The establishment of the ACJ reflects the APF Council’s recognition of (i) the need for independent, authoritative advice on international human rights questions and (ii) the value in developing regional jurisprudence relating to the interpretation and application of international human rights standards. The ACJ has considered eight references: human rights and transnational corporations (2008) environment (2007), education (2006); torture (2005); anti-terrorism legislation and the rule of law (2004); trafficking of women and children (2002); death penalty (2000); and the regulation of child pornography on the internet (2000). The ACJ is comprised of eminent jurists who have held high judicial office or senior academic or human rights appointments. Acknowledgements The Advisory Council of Jurists would like to thank Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn, Professor Andrea Durbach and Justice Susan Glazebrook for co-chairing this reference. The Jurists were greatly assisted in their deliberations by Mr John Fisher (ARCInternational), Ms Joy Liddicoat (New Zealand Human Rights Commission) Mr Siddharth Narrain (Alternative Law Forum), Ms Grace Poore (International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission) and Mr Edmund Settle (United Nations Development Program). The Jurists would like to acknowledge the Alternative Law Forum for the preparation of the Background Paper to this reference. They would also like to acknowledge the work of both the International Commission of Jurists and the United National Development Program whose recent studies on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity have greatly assisted them in their deliberations. The Jurists would like to express their gratitude to the secretariat of the APF for its assistance during the meeting and in the preparation of this report and the background paper. ACJ Report: Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity 2