A delegation from the National Human Rights Institution, led by Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of the institution, participated in the 29th annual meeting of the Asia Pacific Forum (APF), held in Bangkok from 24th to 25th September.

This biennial conference brought together representatives from national human rights institutions, governments, civil society, and United Nations agencies from the Asia Pacific region.

The National Human Rights Institution’s participation in the conference as an “observer” is part of its efforts to promote international human rights standards and achieve the highest levels of equality and justice in society.

This participation reinforces the institution’s commitment to applying the Paris Principles and achieving a balance between rights, freedoms, and respect for the rule of law.

The conference began with discussions on contemporary human rights challenges, including regional crises and conflicts, climate change, and the shrinking of civil space. Emphasis was placed on the cooper
ation between national institutions and governments to strengthen the protection and respect for human rights in the face of these growing challenges.

The conference also reviewed the historical record of achievements since the adoption of the Paris Principles, which govern the work of national human rights institutions. The roles these institutions play in promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and protecting fundamental freedoms were also discussed.

Kruse gave a presentation on the latest developments of the National Human Rights Institution, which included strategic directives related to labour rights, women’s and children’s rights, the rights of people of determination, and the right to health and mental health. He also discussed the institution’s human rights programmes and its cooperation with the Secretariat of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions and the Asia Pacific Forum.

Additionally, Dr. Saeed Al Ghfeli, Secretary-General of the institution, represented the Nat
ional Human Rights Institution in a special session for executive leaders and secretaries-general of national human rights institutions, where the experience of institutional establishment and capacity-building at all organisational levels was shared.

The delegation included members of the Board of Trustees and the General Secretariat of the institution, including Ameera Al Seraidi, Member of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Zayed Al Shamsi, Member of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Abdulaziz Al Noman, Member of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Saeed Al Ghfeli, Secretary General, Fajr Al-Haidan, Head of the Agreements and Reports Section, and Abdulaziz Al-Obthani, Head of the International and Regional Organisations Section.

Source: Emirates News Agency