Foreword Respect for rights is the foundation on which strong, fair and inclusive communities are built. Of course, many different individuals and groups – from both government and civil society – have a role to play to make this vision a reality. In recent decades, however, national human rights institutions (NHRIs) have played a leading role in putting human rights issues on the social and political agenda and driving long-term change. Less than 20 NHRIs were in existence when the Paris Principles – the international benchmark for independent and effective NHRIs – were developed at a ground-breaking conference in 1991. Today, there are more than 100 NHRIs operating in all corners of the globe. This rapid growth is recognition, among governments and the international community, of the enormous contribution that NHRIs make in their respective countries. NHRIs occupy a unique place in the national human rights framework. They are established by the State but they operate independently from government. They have powers to monitor the human rights situation in the country, especially in relation to the most vulnerable and marginalised, and to review laws, policies and practices. They serve as the conscience of a country, holding the government to account for its obligation to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of all people within its borders. NHRIs commonly have powers to investigate complaints of human rights abuses and to provide redress for victims. They deliver human rights education and training to different groups within the community to promote changes in attitudes and behaviour. And they contribute their independent analysis and recommendations to regional and international human rights mechanisms. Independent and effective NHRIs can be powerful agents for change. However, they are still relatively young institutions and their unique nature, roles and functions are still being explored and understood. This manual contributes to that process of discovery, drawing on the experiences of many of the NHRIs in the Asia Pacific region. It provides a thorough analysis of the Paris Principles and examines what the concept of independence means in practice for NHRIs. It also documents the ways in which NHRIs seek to undertake their functions in a wide range of settings, from stable democracies through to countries grappling with conflict and its aftermath. I trust this manual will be a useful reference tool for those working in NHRIs, government, civil society and other settings. It provides a rich blend of theory and practice for all those who have an interest in strengthening NHRIs and supporting the important work they do to make human rights a reality for all people. Kieren Fitzpatrick Director Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions v