RWI’s engagement with National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in Asia reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting human rights through strong and independent institutions. Over the years, our work in the region has grown steadily, focusing on supporting the development, capacity, and impact of NHRIs in diverse national contexts. Through close collaboration with regional networks and national partners, we aim to enhance the ability of these institutions to effectively protect and promote human rights and the rule of law.
Click on the countries below to learn more about RWI’s cooperation with Asian NHRIs.
The Asia Pacific Forum (APF) stands out as a respected and influential regional network of NHRIs, known for its strong understanding of the region’s human rights landscape. Over time, there has been important collaboration between RWI and the APF, built on a shared interest in supporting and strengthening NHRIs in the Asia-Pacific. Our work together has included joint efforts around training, research, and engagement with other key actors, offering valuable insights into the challenges NHRIs face and contributing meaningfully to regional capacity-building.
Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC)
In 2009, RWI collaborated with AIHRC through a regional training programme aimed at strengthening the capacity of NHRIs in the Asia-Pacific. Organised with APF and NHRCT, the programme provided AIHRC representatives an opportunity to share experiences, discuss challenges, and enhance their understanding of human rights standards and international treaties. The training also introduced the role of the APF and key NHRI requirements, supporting AIHRC’s institutional development. Before its dissolution in 2022, AIHRC held A-status accreditation since 2007.
Although Cambodia does not yet have an accredited NHRI, RWI has supported efforts to establish one and strengthen institutions that carry out functions related to those mandated for NHRIs. In 2009, RWI developed a training plan for the Cambodian Human Rights Committee to enhance its capacity in supporting the government’s human rights obligations. Activities included training on human rights conventions, trainer development, and advocacy for NHRI establishment. RWI also contributed to Cambodia’s UPR preparation. In 2022, RWI conducted a detailed analysis of the Draft Law for a future NHRI, recognising its alignment with the Paris Principles while highlighting areas for improvement.
From 1996 to 2010, RWI worked with Chinese institutions to promote the establishment of an NHRI. In collaboration with scholars, RWI conducted feasibility studies and supported the drafting of the Human Rights Commission Act of the People’s Republic of China, completed in 2010 but pending review. To foster awareness, RWI organised training courses, workshops, and summer schools, engaging students, professors, and officials. Additionally, RWI participated in advocacy campaigns and translated a key book on NHRIs in the Asia-Pacific, contributing to the broader discourse on human rights institutions in China.
Provedoria dos Direitos Humanos e Justicia, Timor-Leste (PDHJ)
Before PDHJ’s establishment, RWI engaged with key stakeholders, including the Prime Minister and UNDP, to explore ways to support human rights protection in Timor-Leste. Proposed initiatives included capacity-building seminars, literature support, and scholarships for training. After PDHJ’s creation, RWI continued its engagement, including participation in a 2009 regional training programme with APF and NHRCT. This programme allowed NHRI representatives to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and strengthen their understanding of human rights standards, international treaties, and NHRI requirements.
The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRCI)
RWI collaborated with NHRCI to strengthen its capacity through regional knowledge exchange and training. In 2007, RWI, in partnership with APF, conducted a sub-regional workshop on national inquiries, where NHRCI shared its experiences and learned from experts and other institutions. In 2009, NHRCI participated in a regional training programme that facilitated discussions on NHRI challenges, achievements, and best practices. The programme also covered international human rights standards, treaties, and NHRI requirements. These initiatives contributed to NHRCI’s ongoing institutional development, reinforcing its A-status accreditation.
National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM)
RWI has supported Komnas HAM through training programmes, seminars, and resource contributions. The Commission has participated in various capacity-building initiatives, including the 2009 regional training programme organised with APF and NHRCT. This forum enabled NHRI representatives to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and strengthen their understanding of human rights standards, international treaties, and NHRI operational requirements. Additionally, RWI has donated books and literature to support Komnas HAM’s library, enhancing access to human rights resources.
Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
RWI collaborated with SUHAKAM to enhance its institutional capacity through regional knowledge exchange. In 2009, SUHAKAM participated in a regional training programme organised with APF and NHRCT, which provided a platform for NHRI representatives to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore ways to improve their operations. The programme covered key topics, including human rights standards, international treaties, and NHRI requirements.
The Human Rights Commission of The Maldives (HRCM)
RWI has worked with HRCM to strengthen its institutional capacity and staff expertise. In 2009, RWI conducted a training course on international human rights law, focusing on ratified treaties and HRCM’s role in their implementation. That same year, HRCM participated in a regional training programme with APF and NHRCT, where NHRI representatives exchanged experiences and discussed operational improvements. In 2012, RWI and APF organised a training in Malé on national inquiries to enhance HRCM’s ability to receive and process cases. Additional workshops and training sessions were held under the Regional Asia Programmes, reinforcing staff capacity and resource management.
National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia (NHRCM)
RWI supported NHRCM in strengthening its institutional capacity between 2005 and 2008, providing training on international human rights standards and thematic areas such as women’s rights and the rights of Indigenous peoples. National inquiry seminars were held, leading to discussions in parliament, and a National Inquiry on Torture was established. RWI also helped set up a documentation centre, training its librarian and equipping it with key human rights materials. In 2009, NHRCM participated in a regional training programme with APF and NHRCT, engaging in knowledge exchange and discussions on NHRI operations, international treaties, and human rights standards.
National Human Rights Commission of Nepal (NHRCN)
RWI collaborated with NHRCN through a regional training programme aimed at strengthening NHRI capacities across the Asia-Pacific. The initiative provided a platform for NHRIs to share achievements, discuss challenges, and exchange strategies to improve their operations. Participants gained insights into the role of the APF, human rights principles, international treaties, and standards required for NHRIs. The programme enhanced NHRCN’s knowledge and fostered regional cooperation, contributing to its ongoing institutional development and capacity-building efforts.
Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP)
RWI collaborated with CHRP to strengthen its institutional capacity through targeted training initiatives. In 2009, a workshop focused on recent developments and emerging challenges for NHRIs provided in-depth training on international standards, inquiry systems, and strategies to combat torture and corruption. Additionally, CHRP participated in a regional training programme that facilitated the exchange of experiences among NHRIs across the Asia-Pacific, enhancing knowledge of human rights principles, international treaties, and NHRI standards.
Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL)
RWI collaborated with HRCSL through a regional training programme aimed at strengthening NHRI capacities across the Asia-Pacific. The initiative provided a platform for NHRIs to share experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange strategies to improve their operations. Participants gained insights into the role of the APF, human rights principles, international treaties, and standards required for NHRIs.
The National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRCT)
RWI’s engagement with NHRCT focused on capacity building and regional cooperation. In 2005, RWI co-organised the South East Asian Advanced Workshop on Human Rights, enhancing knowledge of human rights standards among professionals and promoting understanding of NHRI operations. NHRCT representatives participated alongside peers from the Philippines and Cambodia, fostering regional collaboration. In 2009, NHRCT co-hosted a Regional Training Programme with RWI, Sida, and APF, providing a platform for NHRIs to share experiences, address challenges, and strengthen institutional practices. The programme covered core human rights principles, international treaties, and NHRI standards, reinforcing NHRCT’s institutional development and cooperation with other NHRIs in the Asia-Pacific.
Vietnam
As part of the Human Rights Capacity Development Programme in Vietnam (2012–2013), RWI supported efforts to strengthen the country’s human rights framework, including promoting the establishment of a Vietnamese NHRI. Through seminars, visits, and trainings, RWI engaged with key stakeholders to raise awareness of the role and importance of NHRIs, fostering dialogue on the potential creation of such an institution in Vietnam.