unique knowledge enables us to ‘purpose built’ solutions to resolving complex human rights issues for vulnerable individuals in each domestic context. For example, in relation to gender violence/torture/refugees/disability and many other issues, our NHRI experts have designed and implemented ‘real world’ proven solutions. Function 3: Providing advice and expertise The APF provides expert advice to our members, governments and civil society in the region. Our role is to assist these key national stakeholders to empower rights holders and educate duty bearers to realise human rights. This type of assistance may be provided in the form of undertaking consultations, at the invitation of States, with vulnerable communities (such as the challenges facing women and girls, young people, the elderly, workers etc) and the options available to States to protect and respect their rights. Function 4: Contributing at the national, regional and international level The APF engages nationally, regionally and internationally to promote our members participation and views and to share their expertise with others. Our role is to assist those that have suffered human rights violations to seek redress at the national, regional and international level, to bring their needs to the attention of governments and the community, and to ensure that duty bearers are aware of their obligations and are held accountable for violations. Function 5: Promoting gender equality Women and girls in all countries across the Asia Pacific are at risk of serious violations of their human rights, such as gender-based violence and harassment. Entrenched roles, attitudes and stereotypes also mean that many experience poverty, discrimination and unequal access to health services and the education and justice systems. NHRIs in the Asia Pacific have made a commitment to take concrete steps to advance gender equality and to promote and protect the human rights of women and girls in their respective countries. The APF promotes gender equality and integrates gender considerations across all its work. The APF believes that gender-led human rights empowerment is critical to the realisation of human rights for everyone. Function 6: Strengthening organisational leadership and governance The APF needs to be a diverse, effectively governed and sustainably resourced organisation. The APF is a membership organisation and its strategic operations and priorities are determined by its members, working individually and collectively with a common purpose. The APF must reflect the views of our members and be their collective ‘voice’. Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions Strategic Plan 2015–2020 11