Annual Report 2012–2013 The purpose of general observations is to provide guidance to NHRIs in developing their own processes and mechanisms, as well as, assist governments address issues relating to a NHRI’s compliance with the Paris Principles. The sub-committee also uses the general observations, along with the Paris Principles to guide its assessment of applications for accreditation, reaccreditation and special reviews of NHRIs. The APF secretariat attends accreditation meetings in an ex-officio capacity and is a member of the sub-committee’s drafting group, which is responsible for revising the existing general observations and preparing drafts of new general observations. It provides advisory and drafting support to the subcommittee, however, it does not have a recommendatory role. 3.2. Provision of advice to members and others Evaluation findings Outcome indicator Advice Performance rating On track A central focus of the APF is to support the establishment and/or strengthening of independent NHRIs in the region. To help achieve this goal, the APF provides advice to NHRIs, governments and civil society groups on the unique status of NHRIs; their roles and functions; their relationship with government, parliament and civil society; and the international accreditation process. This can also include technical advice on compliance with international standards set out in the Paris Principles; operational issues such as organisational structure, operational procedures and financial resources; and the development of best practice models. In 2012–13 the APF provided advice to existing members, potential members, governments, international and regional organisations and other stakeholders, including legal and policy advice on such topics as NHRI models, NHRI legislation, constitutional interpretation and amendment, international standards, accreditation and institutional cooperation. The APF secretariat was able to respond fully to 22 of the 24 requests for advice received, providing draft responses in the remaining two cases. Advice was provided in a broad range of areas including: • the impact of international standards on amended legislation or proposed amendments to NHRI law • the accreditation of NHRIs • the application of the constitution and rule of law in situations of conflict • statutory interpretation and statutory amendment, and • policy development including improvements to accreditation processes. Members continued to value the APF’s advice highly this year, however, the median member rating across a number of areas of advice dropped slightly from 4.75 out of 5 in 2012 to 4.25 out of 5 in 2013. This was largely attributable to a drop in members’ perception of the usefulness of advice on accreditation, a result of the reduced numbers of members engaged in ICC accreditation during the year. As shown in Figure 8, the value of the advice to some members grew, especially the NHRIs of Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Indonesia and New Zealand. For other members the value of advice dropped slightly, most significantly for the Maldives, Nepal and the Philippines. Australia indicated that it did not require advisory services during the year. 3. Promote compliance with the Paris Principles | 35