WHAT SETS US APART? PROTECTING PEOPLE FROM HARM The APF is one of four regional coordinating committees of NHRIs. Regional coordinating committees have also been established to support the NHRIs of Africa, the Americas and Europe. Based in Geneva, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) promotes the establishment and operation of NHRIs in compliance with the Paris Principles. In 2019, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) released a study documenting the serious discrimination transgender people face in work, study, housing and access to health services. What sets the APF apart is the breadth and diversity of the services we offer our members, including capacity development programs, opportunities for collaboration and specialist advice on NHRI legislation and international accreditation. We also continue to be a leader among NHRI bodies in promoting and monitoring gender equality. Many also experienced hate speech and violence, which had a significant impact on their mental health. A high number reported self-harm or suicide attempts. SUHAKAM noted that religious and cultural sensitivities can make it difficult to address these challenges. However, it was adamant about the critical need “to uphold their rights as human beings and protect them against any discrimination, harm and violence”. The study – conducted jointly with NGO partners – followed SUHAKAM’s participation in an APFUNDP program that encouraged NHRIs and civil society to identify practical opportunities for joint action to advance the rights of LGBTI people. ANNUAL REPORT 2018–19 7