and humanitarian law. The first statement was issued on 20 October 2023, soon after the fighting escalated. In it, SUHAKAM said “The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) strongly condemns the Israeli government’s heavy handed and grossly disproportionate attack on Palestinian civilians. The complete blockade of Gaza depriving the people of Gaza access to basic and vital food and medical supplies is a most serious violation of international humanitarian laws.”65 By February 2025 SUHAKAM had issued 12 statements on the attack on Gaza.66 The Asia Pacific Forum also issued a statement on the killings of Mr Salha and his family, saying it was deeply saddened and expressing its support for ICHR. “We offer our condolences to Raafat’s family, friends and colleagues. Raafat devoted his life to advocating for human rights and justice, and his loss is a significant tragedy for the ICHR and the Palestinian people. Raafat’s work and commitment to human rights will continue to inspire our efforts in advocating for justice and accountability. We stand in solidarity with the ICHR and all who seek to defend the rights of individuals facing human rights violations.”67 The APF also called for accountability for these and other deaths. “The death of Raafat and his family highlights the crisis faced by Palestinian civilians from Israeli attacks. We call on the international community, particularly the ICC, to launch investigations into these crimes, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure the protection of civilians from further violence.”68 Other NHRIs in the region also expressed their support for and solidarity with ICHR. The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, for example, acknowledged “the dauntless diligence of the Palestine Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) in defending the human rights of the Palestinians”. It said, “The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) stands in solidarity with the people of Palestine and our fellow colleagues at the Palestine Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR). The suffering and loss that Palestinians have endured for decades is severely unjust and the recent escalation of violence is a painful reminder of the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to this conflict.”69 In addition to cooperation with other NHRIs and their associations, NHRIs may have functions to cooperate regionally and internationally with governmental and non-government organisations. This is another type of effective cooperation for NHRIs. 65. SUHAKAM Press Statement No. 38-2023_SUHAKAM Condemns Israeli Assaults, Calls for Urgent Action to Address Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza 20 October 2023 at https://suhakam.org.my/2023/10/press-statement-no-38-2023_suhakam-condemns-israeli-assaults-calls-for-urgent-action-to-address-humanitarian-crisis-in-gaza/. 66. See https://suhakam.org.my/?s=Gaza&post_type=post. 67. Asia Pacific Forum APF Chairperson statement on the death of Raafat Salha, ICHR Director 20 January 2025 at https://www.asiapacificforum.net/resources/apfchairperson-statement-on-the-death-of-raafat-salha-ichr-director. 68. Asia Pacific Forum APF Chairperson statement on the death of Raafat Salha, ICHR Director 20 January 2025 at https://www.asiapacificforum.net/resources/apfchairperson-statement-on-the-death-of-raafat-salha-ichr-director. 69. Human Rights Commission of the Maldives In Solidarity with Palestine and Calling for Immediate Ceasefire and Urgent Humanitarian Action in Gaza (PR) 168-A/168/2023/31 89 November 2023 access through https://hrcm.org.mv/en/statements. 38 National action on international issues