SECTION FIVE: APF services to NHRI leaders Section five: APF services to NHRI leaders Providing services to NHRI leaders is one of APF’s core functions. These services assist the leaders to build NHRIs that are deeply committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, that are fully compliant with the Paris Principles, that live and foster a culture of independence, lead necessary conversations and demonstrate initiative. Service provision to NHRI leaders is incorporated under Outcome 2 of the APF Strategic Plan 2022-2027, specifically Outcome 2.2 ‘NHRIs demonstrate leadership in their internal and external actions’.16 This sub-outcome aims to support and empower NHRIs to be leaders in promoting and protecting human rights. APF services to NHRI leaders come within six principal programmes. The APF Leadership Solidarity Outreach programme was commenced at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.17 It involves regular calls to support APF member leaders as they navigate challenges presented by the pandemic and other challenges. It provides opportunities for discussion of NHRI work and priorities. The calls have provided a ‘sounding board’ for advice and have led to NHRIs accessing other APF services. Held virtually, the calls have been a valuable way of connecting and maintaining institutional and personal relationships with chairpersons and commission members when international travel was not possible during 2020-21. Because of their value, the calls have continued since borders re-opened and travel re-commenced. The virtual service is continuing as a service to NHRI leaders as it has proven extremely useful. The Introduction to APF programme provides newly appointed leaders of APF members with a briefing and exchange on the role and services of APF. It also provides a similar opportunity for leaders of NHRIs wishing to join APF. The Introduction to APF is a short two-hour session delivered virtually. This programme has given NHRI leaders greater understanding of APF and of its services and programmes and of issues such as the GANHRI accreditation process. It has led NHRIs to take up other APF programmes, for example, the High-Level Dialogue. The APF Virtual Dialogue Series brings together the top leaders of APF members on a regular basis to share their work in the promotion and protection of human rights. Each dialogue is a 90-minute virtual event co-hosted by APF and an NHRI. The dialogue topic is nominated by a chairperson of an NHRI. Past topics have included monitoring detention centres during the pandemic, advancing vulnerable groups during the pandemic, the rights of people with disabilities, employment discrimination and pay equity, and the role of NHRIs in relation to climate change. 16 See APF Strategic Plan 2022-27 at https://www.asiapacificforum.net/resources/apf-strategic-plan-2022-27/. 17 See https://www.asiapacificforum.net/news/supporting-nhri-leadership-during-covid/. 25