Providing legal and policy advice to our members
The APF provides technical assistance to its member NHRIs that are advocating for amendments
to their existing legal mandates to strengthen their compliance with the Paris Principles.
In 2024-25, we supported efforts to strengthen NHRI legislation in line with the Paris
Principles with seven (7) NHRIs: Bangladesh, Fiji, Iraq, Nepal, Oman, the Philippines,
and Samoa.
This included reviewing the National Human Rights Commission Act 2009 of Bangladesh
and providing recommendations for amendments, in cooperation with OHCHR and UNDP.
The APF also supported the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission with
advice and drafting support for proposed reforms, including regulations on commissioner
appointments and amendments to its enabling Act. In addition, the APF provided an advisory
opinion to the High Commission for Human Rights of Iraq on measures to strengthen
institutional independence. It supported the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal
through significant external consultations on proposed NHRC Act reforms, including with
civil society (with advocacy linked to a positive accreditation outcome), reviewed proposed
legal amendments advanced by the Oman Human Rights Commission, and continued to
support the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines in advocating for the CHR
Charter Bill to consolidate and safeguard its mandate and independence.
In Samoa, the APF provided targeted advice to the Ombudsman to support Paris Principlesaligned practice and preparedness for its upcoming GANHRI reaccreditation. Collectively,
these engagements demonstrate how APF legal and policy support, from legislative reform
to accreditation readiness, helps strengthen mandates, safeguard independence, and
reinforce Paris Principles compliance.
Member feedback confirms the practical impact of this support: around 70% of respondents
reported that APF advice on GANHRI accreditation and/or the Paris Principles contributed
to changes in their institution’s legislation and/or practice to strengthen compliance with the
Paris Principles.
Value of APF support on Paris Principles
and GANHRI Accreditation
0
5
1
10
4
15
20
11
25
7
Rate the value to your institution of any advice and support you have received from APF to advocate for
amendments to your institution’s enabling legal framework to comply with the Paris Principles.
0
5
1
10
7
15
20
11
25
4
Rate the value to your institution of the role played by the APF in supporting you with GANHRI accreditation
Very Low
APF Annual Report 2024-25
Low
Average
High
Very High
Not Applicable
13