the internet. A number of Forum Councillors specifically cited the successful
implementation of the Advisory Council’s recommendations. Forum Councillors
decided to formulate a new reference to the Advisory Council of Jurists on the issue
of the primacy of the rule of law in countering terrorism world-wide while protecting
human rights and requested the secretariat to prepare draft terms of reference for the
consideration and approval of the Forum.
13. The Forum discussed a proposal to develop a new international convention on the
rights of people with disabilities. Forum institutions agreed to respond positively to
the invitation of the United Nations Ad Hoc Committee to participate independently
in the development of the possible new convention. The Forum adopted the
recommendations contained in the discussion paper presented to the meeting and
welcomes the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner’s support in their
implementation. In proceeding further, the Secretariat will keep in mind the
comments made by all participants in the meeting.
14. The Forum considered the issue of trafficking, including the views of international
experts and non-governmental organisations, and the report of the Advisory Council
of Jurists on this issue. The Forum warmly thanked the jurists of the Advisory
Council for their expertise and the comprehensive scope of their report which
included items on i) ratification; ii) implementation; iii) enforcement; iv) victim
protection; v) research and policy; vi) education; and vii) cooperation. Forum
member institutions would closely examine the recommendations of the Advisory
Council and report back on their implementation to the next annual meeting. The
Forum further requested the Secretariat to assist in strengthening regional cooperation
on this issue. The Forum also welcomed the agreement of the National Human
Rights Commissions of India and Nepal to work together on this issue. The Forum
also requested the Secretariat to be in touch with the United Nations Office of the
High Commissioner for Human Rights in respect to the need to keep more clearly in
mind the human rights of victims of trafficking in the formulation of views and
comments on this subject. The Forum recommends the reinvigoration of the network
of focal points on trafficking within Forum member institutions.
15. The Forum gratefully accepted the kind offer of the National Human Rights
Commission of Nepal to host the Eighth Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Forum
of National Human Rights Institutions in approximately twelve months time and
further noted the kind offer of the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity
Commission to act as a potential alternate host if necessary.
16. The Forum likewise noted with thanks the offer of the National Human Rights
Commission of Mongolia and the National Human Rights Commission of Korea to
host the Ninth Annual Meeting in 2004.
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