Asia Pacific Forum

About Asia Pacific Forum:

• It was founded in 1996.
• It has created a strong and united platform that brings together National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from all corners of the Asia Pacific.
• It addresses some of the most serious human rights challenges in Asia Pacific region.
• It has 17 full members and eight associate members.
• India has been a full time member since 1996.
• To be admitted as a full member, a National Human Rights Institution must fully comply with the minimum international standards set out in the Paris Principles.
• National Human Rights Institutions that partially comply with the Paris Principles are granted associate membership.
• Decisions about the admission of new members to the APF are made by the Forum Council.
• A fundamental goal of the APF is to promote the establishment of independent NHRIs in the Asia Pacific region and to support our members to do their work as effectively as possible.

Q1) What is NHRC?

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India is an autonomous and statutory body established in accordance with the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. Its primary purpose is to promote and protect human rights in India.

Source: PRESIDENT OF INDIA INAUGURATES ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND BIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF THE ASIA PACIFIC FORUM ON HUMAN RIGHTS