APF member Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch report findings (2024) In March 2023, police launched an investigation into an International Women’s Day rally in Kuala Lumpur under the Peaceful Assembly Act and Minor Offences Act. Books and other materials considered to promote LGBTI lifestyles are banned. Maldives Gender inequality is particularly evident in political representation. The government fails to take concrete steps to address gender-based discrimination and violence in the Maldives. Maldivian women human rights defenders are increasingly vulnerable to online harassment and intimidation. Women and girls in the Maldives continue to suffer from structural discrimination rooted in pervasive societal norms, gender-stereotyping, and religious conservatism, contributing to the significant barriers that women face to equal participation in the labour force. Female genital mutilation, the practice remains legal. Adult consensual same-sex sexual conduct remains a criminal offense. Punishment applies to both men and women and can include prison sentences. Same-sex marriage is also illegal and punishable by prison. Mongolia Authorities restricted the right to peaceful assembly of LGBTI people - a pro-LGBTI march was banned. Myanmar Since the coup, there has been an increase in reports of sexual violence and other forms of gendered harassment by both military and non-state perpetrators. Women and girls remain extremely vulnerable to genderbased violence, particularly in the context of ongoing conflict. Women also report a significant decline in their ability to participate in politics and education. Sixteen percent of girls and 5 percent of boys are married before 18, and women and girls are at risk of trafficking for sexual exploitation inside and outside the country. Myanmar punishes “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” with up to 10 years in prison and a fine. Under the military junta, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people are particularly likely to be targeted with sexual violence in custody. Nepal Gender-based discrimination continues in law and practice. In Nepal, women continue to be denied equal citizenship rights. The maternal mortality rate remains high. Health budget cuts particularly impact services for women from disadvantaged social groups. High rate of child marriage - 33 percent of girls and 9 percent of boys are married before 18 (UNICEF). Gender Baseline Assessment of NHRIs in the Asia Pacific region – July 2024 45