Human Rights Education Associates

Nineteen Asian human rights defenders start Foundation Course for National Human Rights Institutions

Today nineteen staff members of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mongolia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Thailand started the second edition of the “Foundation Course for National Human Rights Institutions”. In the next six weeks they will examine the key elements that help make an effective national human rights institution (NHRI). This facilitated e-learning course offered by HREA and the Asia Pacific Forum for National Human Rights Institutions (APF).

Participants will will explore and discuss:

  • the origin, history and context of NHRIs
  • the nature and concept of NHRIs, including the Paris Principles
  • the advisory mandate of NHRIs
  • the human rights education and promotion mandate of NHRIs
  • the quasi-judicial functions of NHRIs
  • regional and international collaboration amongst NHRIs.

National human rights institutions have emerged as essential partners in the task of protecting and promoting human rights and increase their capacity is critical in order to realise this task. The course involves approximately fifty hours of reading, on-line working groups, assignments, on-line chats sessions, webinars with guest experts, and interaction among participants, the instructors and invited guests.

The Foundation Course is part of a collaboration between HREA and APF to meet the specific training needs of APF members. HREA will provide online courses that will complement the APF’s existing training programmes and provide a ‘blended’ learning experience for participants.

The Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions is the leading regional human rights organisation in the Asia Pacific. Established in 1996, it is a member-based organisation that supports the establishment and strengthening of national human rights institutions in the region.