Annual Report 2011–2012 Afghanistan chose the subject of self-immolation of women for its inquiry; Nepal and Sri Lanka both identified the issue of torture (with the Sri Lankan proposal specifically focusing on the Western and Southern provinces of the country); Bangladesh selected the rights of indigenous peoples in the Chittagong Hill Track; India chose the impact of silicosis on the right to health; and the Maldives proposed the right to education for children with disabilities. These presentations became the basis for a number of workshop activities, such as holding a mock public hearing and launching the findings and recommendations of the national inquiry. Discussions also looked at the experiences of other NHRIs in the Asia Pacific region that have conducted national inquiries, including examples of good practice as well as the challenges they experienced. Following the workshop, participants agreed to further develop their proposals for a national inquiry and present them to their respective NHRIs for adoption. NHRI foundation training From 17 October – 13 November 2011 the APF and the RWI jointly ran an online course for new staff of NHRIs, with the aim of introducing NHRI staff to the history, concept, role and mandates of NHRIs, and to encourage sharing of good practices. The course was structured into four core modules, namely: • the origin, mandate and concept of NHRIs • the advisory and educational mandate of NHRIs • the investigative and monitoring mandate of NHRIs, and • NHRI engagement with international and regional stakeholders. Twenty four participants from 14 NHRIs from across the Asia Pacific region participated in the online course. The online course was run by APF facilitators from the APF’s Virtual Learning Environment. In addition to guided readings and video materials, the online course utilised a range of learning activities, including quizzes and assignments, and online discussions aimed at encouraging participants to share their experiences and learn from each other. The course maintained a high rate of participation throughout, ranging from 90 to 95 percent throughout the duration of the course. Participants who completed the online course then went on to participate in a face-to-face training workshop, which was held from 19–28 March 2012 in Bangkok, Thailand. In line with the APF’s emphasis on blended learning, the online course included assignments that directly linked to sessions during the face-to-face workshop in Bangkok. The program for the workshop built on the syllabus of the online course, and also included additional thematic sessions exploring human rights issues of concern to many NHRIs in the region, including ‘human rights and business’ and the engagement of NHRIs with international human rights mechanisms. Several days were also devoted to presentations by the participants, regarding the achievements and challenges of their own NHRI, with the aim of facilitating peer-to-peer learning amongst NHRI staff. The facilitation of the workshop in Bangkok was led by trainers from the RWI. 1. Enhance members’ institutional capacity to promote and protect human rights | 13