Gender Audit The APF supported the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (‘HRCSL’) to undertake a comprehensive gender audit of its institutional structures, policies, and practices. The initiative responded to the HRCSL’s strategic commitment to strengthen its internal and external efforts to promote gender equality, particularly in light of ongoing gender-based human rights violations in Sri Lanka. Facilitated by APF gender experts, the audit was conducted using a participatory approach, involving staff at all levels, commissioners, and external stakeholders through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and document review. The audit provided an in-depth assessment of five key areas: governance and decisionmaking, organisational culture, human resource management, internal gender expertise, and the Commission’s gender responsiveness in external work. It engaged over 100 staff members and commissioners—across regions, roles, and gender identities—and ensured equitable participation through language and accessibility measures. A two-day on-site workshop further deepened staff understanding of gender equality principles and allowed for collective reflection on findings. The final Audit Report will serve as a basis for developing a Gender Equality Strategy, and includes: • A baseline assessment of the HRCSL’s gender equality performance and the identification of institutional strengths and gaps. • Development of 15 context-specific recommendations, including the establishment of a gender strategy, strengthened complaints mechanisms, gender-responsive human resource policies, and a capacity-building plan for staff. • Strengthened internal awareness and commitment across the organisation to integrate a gender perspective into all areas of work. • Enhanced understanding and ownership of gender equality measures among senior leadership; and • Positioning the HRCSL to lead by example and support gender equality initiatives across other public institutions. Climate change mitigation and adaptation In 2024, the APF in partnership with Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (‘RWI’), and South Asian University (‘SAU’) conducted a Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis to evaluate the capacity of six South Asian NHRIs to engage in climate change mitigation and adaptation (‘CCMA’) initiatives through a human rights and gender-responsive lens. The findings underscore the need for targeted support across five key areas: training, technical tools, internal policy development, stakeholder engagement, and participation in international climate forums. The assessment sets a foundation for strengthening NHRI capacity to contribute meaningfully to climate justice and human rights protection in the region. 22 APF Annual Report 2024-25