ASIA PACIFIC FORUM OF NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS Collaborating and sharing knowledge VALUE TO MEMBERS OF COLLABORATING AND SHARING KNOWLEDGE very high high 1 7 14 In recent years, this has included undertaking work to advance the human rights of women and girls, preventing torture in places of detention, promoting respect and understanding on issues relating to sexual orientation and gender identity, and developing a common position on a possible Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. The APF provides members with the opportunity to network, discuss issues and develop a strong, collective voice. 1. Networking Each year, the APF hosts a range of meetings and workshops that bring together representatives from our members and provide opportunities for discussion and networking. We also convene professional and thematic networks to support Commissioners and staff our members to share information and resources, develop collaborative partnerships and establish ‘best practice’ standards. APF ANNUAL MEETING The 19th APF Annual Meeting was held from 3-5 September 2014 in New Delhi and hosted by the National Human Rights Commission of India. 16 low very low Source: APF Member Survey 2015 Despite the diverse social, political and cultural environments in which they operate, our members demonstrate a deeply-held commitment to sharing experiences, exchanging information and working collaboratively to address common human rights challenges. medium no response All 21 members were represented and, during the meeting, the National Centre for Human Rights of Kazakhstan, was admitted as an associate member. APF members contributed to discussions about the development of the APF 2015–2020 Strategic Plan, with its focus on developing practical strategies to promote and protect the rights of the most vulnerable groups in the Asia Pacific region and to work with business on human rights issues. The meeting featured a dialogue with representatives from the Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions, as well as a lively discussion on the work of APF members to implement the APF Action Plan on Women and Girls’ Human Rights, with presentations from the NHRIs of India, Jordan and Mongolia. Of the 60 participants at the meeting, 24 were women and 36 were men. All APF members rated the meeting as excellent or very good. APF COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK The APF Communications Network was established in April 2015 to support the exchange of information, resources and examples of good practice among our members. The group includes senior staff with wide-ranging professional expertise in human rights education, communications and promotion. All 22 APF members have nominated representatives, as have the NHRIs of Iraq and Bahrain.