Asia Pacific Forum Welcomes Nepalese Human Rights Commission As New Member

MEDIACOM-RELEASE-HUMAN-RIGHTS-COMMISSION

The Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions has welcomed the Human Rig
hts Commission of Nepal as a new member at its annual meeting in Rotorua. The New Zealand Human Rights Commission is the host of this year's meeting and is Coordinator of the Forum.

New Zealand Human Rights Proceedings Commissioner Chris Lawrence welcomed the new addition.

"On behalf of the Forum, I would like to welcome Nepal's Human Rights Commission into the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions."

"We look forward to working with Nepal and the other members of the Forum on human rights capacity-building in the Asia Pacific region."

The Forum now comprises eight Human Rights Commissions: Australia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and New Zealand. It is closely associated with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs. Mary Robinson, whose representatives are attending the Forum's conference.

The Attorney General and Associate Minister of Justice, Hon Margaret Wilson will speak to the conference this morning. Hon Phil Goff, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will make the closing address at 6pm tomorrow evening, 9 August.

Journalists are invited to attend the coming sessions. For further details contact Glyn Walters, New Zealand Human Rights Commission Communications Officer on 025 313 239.

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