The role of NHRIs in protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities will be the focus of an upcoming APF virtual dialogue.

The role of NHRIs in protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities will be the focus of an upcoming APF virtual dialogue, to be held in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission of India.

Across the Asia Pacific, national human rights institutions (NHRIs) work closely with disabled peoples' organisations, governments, employers and others to build understanding of disability issues and to address the structural barriers which lead to discrimination against people with disabilities.

NHRIs also play an important role in monitoring the rights of people with disabilities as set out in article 33 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensuring that people with disabilities are front and centre in discussions to enhance their lives.

The dialogue, to be held online on 18 July, will be an opportunity for NHRIs to discuss their experiences and best practices in protecting the rights of people with disabilities. It will be facilitated by Pip Dargan, Principal Adviser, Capacity Assessments and International Engagement.

It is the third event in the APF Virtual Dialogue Series, which brings together NHRIs from across the Asia Pacific to share how they work to promote and protect human rights in the era of COVID-19 and to discuss opportunities for collaboration.

To date, the APF has co-hosted two dialogues in the series. The first dialogue focused on the monitoring of detention centres during COVID-19. The online event was held under the leadership of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia.

The theme of the second dialogue in the series was the role of NHRIs in advancing the rights of vulnerable communities during the pandemic and was co-hosted by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea.

The event will be held on Zoom and conducted in English. APF members and prospective members are encouraged to participate and are welcome to deliver a presentation on a topic relating to people with disabilities.

To register your interest to attend, please contact Pip Dargan, APF Principal Adviser, Capacity Development and International Engagement at pipdargan@asiapacificforum.net

Follow the APF Virtual Dialogue Series on social media: #APFDialogueSeries

Date: 23 June 2022