BUILDING STRONGER NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS Value to members of building stronger national human rights institutions 3 4 4 11 very high high medium low very low no response Source: APF Member Survey 2016 What we achieved >> Developed an innovative model – the Torture Prevention Ambassadors program – to drive human rights progress at the national level and promote collaboration across the region. >> Supported new leadership teams appointed to APF members and other NHRIs to identify priority areas for action and advocacy. >> Published a world-first resource on LGBTI rights, as well as video materials to support our members in their work with other vulnerable groups. Independent and effective NHRIs can be powerful agents for change. They can use their complaint handling, investigation, advisory and education functions to promote and protect the rights of all people, especially vulnerable groups, as well as engage with the international human rights system to draw attention to pressing issues. Most of the APF’s activities are designed to help our members do their work as effectively as possible, including: >> Capacity assessments that enable our members to identify achievable steps to strengthen their institutions >> High Level Dialogues that support new leadership teams to develop their collective goals and chart an agenda for human rights progress >> Professional development training programs and resources to support staff in their efforts to drive meaningful change for those vulnerable to human rights violations. Measuring the capacity of APF members The APF has developed a new monitoring program to chart the growing capacity of our members to be effective agents for change. Factors that help build the capacity of NHRIs to promote and protect human rights in their countries include, among other things, strong legislation; deep engagement with civil society; focused strategic planning; a smart organisational structure and operating procedures; opportunities for staff training and development; and up-to-date information technology. 10