Chapter 5 Towards the future It was originally envisaged that this study would conclude with a detailed strategy for taking forward the integration of reproductive rights into the work of national human rights institutions of the Asia-Pacific region. However, the research undertaken for the study and detailed above has confirmed that such a step would be premature. NHRIs are only now beginning to grapple with issues related to reproductive rights: they need more information and a better insight into each other’s work before a concerted strategy can be developed and effectively implemented. In addition, it is evident that any credible strategy on reproductive rights must be the result of close consultation within and between those NHRIs who are expected to participate in its implementation. An external study of this kind can, at best, help to facilitate that process. This purpose of this section is therefore to explore some areas and issues that must be part of any future development of an integration strategy. Specifically, how can NHRIs best be supported in their efforts to integrate reproductive rights? To what extent do NHRIs see the APF as playing a role in policy development in this area? What steps could be taken, at this early stage, by the APF and its member institutions to advance the integration process? Each of these questions is considered further below. Of course, the research undertaken for this study has provided some important information that could be used as a starting point for a strategy to guide and support the integration of reproductive rights into the work of NHRIs. For example, the study confirmed a widespread recognition that reproductive rights form part of, and are protected by, international human rights law. Just as importantly, APF member institutions overwhelmingly agree that they have a role to play in promoting and protecting human rights and that these rights potentially cut across all major areas of NHRI work. The Report should therefore be used as a reference point for future work in this area, supplemented of course, by additional insights secured through subsequent activities. 5.1. Supporting NHRI efforts to integrate reproductive rights While the questionnaire did not specifically address this issue, all NHRIs were asked, during follow-up discussions, about how their efforts to integrate reproductive rights could best be supported by external bodies such as UNFPA and APF. Inevitably, this issue was usually part of a broader discussion about the goals of the individual NHRI in this area and its perceptions of the major challenges and risks to effective integration. 41