APF Side Event at the UN Human Rights Council
The APF held a side event during the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights
Council on 12 March 2025 on ‘National Action in International Issues: The roles of NHRIs
in relation to extra-territorial human rights cases and situations’. The side event was
facilitated by the APF Chairperson, Ms Samar Haj Hasan, and included presentations
from Professor Chris Sidoti, Mr Issam Aruri, Commissioner General of the Palestinian
Independent Commission for Human Rights, and Ms Pornprapai Ganjanarintr, Chairperson
of the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand.
The side event considered how NHRIs can address human rights violations beyond their
borders and provided guidance and practical examples of how NHRIs have acted on
international issues, while working within their existing legal frameworks. The side event
outlined five key NHRI functions that can be applied in relation to extra-territorial cases:
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Investigating and resolving human rights violations
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Conducting national inquiries into systemic abuses
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Providing advice and recommendations
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Engaging in international cooperation
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Advancing human rights education
Sexual and reproductive rights
In partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (‘UNFPA’) — including the Asia
Pacific Regional Office (‘APRO’), Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Office
(‘EECARO’), and the UNFPA Programme Division — from 10 to 11 June 2025 the APF
facilitated a two-day webinar to strengthen NHRI capacities in monitoring and reporting
on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (‘SRHR’). This initiative aimed to address
persistent gaps in the institutional engagement of NHRIs on SRHR, GBV, and harmful
practices, despite commitments under the Amman and Kathmandu Declarations.
The programme convened 114 participants representing 19 NHRIs and corresponding
UNFPA regional and country offices. 24 were male and 90 were female, reflecting strong
gender representation. Simultaneous translation in Russian ensured accessibility for
participants across Central Asia and Eastern Europe.
Delivered through a participatory, analytical format, the sessions combined expert
presentations, NHRI-led case studies, facilitated Q&A discussions, and regional exchange.
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APF Annual Report 2024-25