Annual Report 2012–2013 The Paris Principles set out the minimum standards required of NHRIs if they are to be considered credible and to operate effectively. The guidelines were developed at a UN meeting held in Paris, France in 1991, which brought together representatives of NHRIs from all parts of the globe to define the core attributes that all new or existing institutions should possess. The Paris Principles were subsequently adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1993. The Paris Principles identify six criteria that NHRIs should meet in order to be effective, including: • a clearly defined and broad-based mandate based on universal human rights standards • autonomy from government • independence guaranteed by legislation or the constitution • pluralism, including membership that broadly reflects their society • adequate resources, and • adequate powers of investigation. A fundamental role of the APF is to support its members, new NHRIs and governments looking to establish NHRIs in the region, to comply with the Paris Principles. During the reporting period, the APF assisted in the reaccreditation of existing members and assisted the establishment of new complying NHRIs. 3.1. Accreditation Evaluation findings Outcome indicator Accreditation Performance rating On track The Paris Principles provide the core framework for assessing the independence and effectiveness of NHRIs. In particular, they are used by the ICC to determine the accreditation status of NHRIs. Accreditation assesses the extent to which an NHRI meets the minimum standards set out in the Paris Principles. It is a peer-based evaluation process. NHRIs which are considered to fully comply with the Paris Principles are accredited as “A status” institutions, while those that partially comply are accredited as “B status” institutions. “A status” NHRIs are permitted to participate in the work and discussion of the UN Human Rights Council and its subsidiary bodies. The APF adopts the accreditation decisions of the ICC to determine APF membership status. • Full members of the APF are NHRIs in the Asia Pacific region accredited with “A status” by the ICC. Each full member is represented on the Forum Council – the APF’s decision-making body – by a voting councillor. Full members also nominate a jurist to sit on the APF’s ACJ. • Associate members of the APF are NHRIs in the Asia Pacific region accredited with “B status” by the ICC. Associate members are entitled to participate in APF programs and activities, however, they are not entitled to vote on Forum Council decisions or nominate a jurist to the ACJ. 3. Promote compliance with the Paris Principles | 33