Chapter 3 - Report of the Research and Policy Development Group 7. SOUTHEAST ASIA NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS FORUM (SEANF) As the lead NHRI for the SEANF Joint Project on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Commission held a Regional Consultation on 14 March in Kuala Lumpur. This was co-organised with the Asia Indigenous Peoples’ Pact, the Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia and Partners of Community Organisations in Sabah. Prof James Anaya, the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, attended the session, alongside NHRI representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, and representatives of indigenous organisations and non-governmental organisations from various countries in Southeast Asia. SEANF members found this a useful avenue to share experiences, good practices and challenges in the promotion and protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights. The Commission also participated in the two SEANF Technical Working Group Meetings held in Timor Leste and the Philippines, in March and July respectively. From 25-26 July, the Commission attended the Roundtable Discussion (RTD) on ‘Business and Human Rights: Towards NHRI’s Convergence in Assessing Human Rights Impact of the ASEAN Integration’. Held in Quezon City, it was organised by the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP) in its capacity as the lead NHRI for the SEANF Joint Project on Business and Human Rights. The 21 participants exchanged views on related issues. As an outcome of the RTD, they agreed on a regional theme to reflect the work being undertaken by NHRIs – ‘Promoting and Strengthening Respect for Human Rights and Access to Justice and Remedies in relation to Business Activities by All Actors including Business Entities in the Southeast Asia Region’. They also identified action points to: • Document institutional practices using a standard report format to be provided by CHRP; • Hold RTDs and regional workshops to share experiences toward the development of regional guidelines and a common assessment tool; • Conduct research based on collated documentation reports and analysis of international and local jurisprudence on economic, social and cultural rights; • Formulate and adopt regional guidelines and a common assessment tool; • Conduct a series of regional capacity-building activities; and • Strengthen communication and interaction with ASEAN and other regional actors, and develop partnerships with civil society groups. 105