1. New Zealand Human Rights Commission
APF Workshop on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Yogyakarta
5-7 May 2009
Commissioner Joy Liddicoat

2. We know … There is no State where all human rights are enjoyed by all.
LBGT are a vulnerable and marginalised group.
National institutions have a unique role in promoting and protecting human rights.
The simple solution does not exist.
Sen and Uvin just as examples….
There is no “best” or “single” way to ensure human rights standards are met.
Stop and ask for questions clarifications etc

3. Work of NZ HRC Background paper Pluralistic membership and staff
Policy and community advocacy
Dialogue with particular groups:
Religious and interfaith dialogue
Voices: sexuality gender and human rights
Specific projects: transgender inquiry
Project outline: Jack Byrne

4. Lessons Learned
Paris Principles: broad mandate, independent, full powers, empowering process
Simplicity: dignity, equality and security (YP)
Intersecting contextual issues
Be willing to learn: listen to community and government concerns
Use an evidence base for media and public engagement
Innovative approaches are needed in the region to address resource concerns, including collaborative approaches to human rights promotion and economies of scope rather than scale. Participatory processes need to take account of Pacific contexts and to build on good work related to the rights of children and young people, women, disabled people and vulnerable or marginalised groups.
Dialogue about nhris in the Pacific needs to draw on the strengths of both Pacific peoples and human rights promoters and acknowledge that culture, language and tradition have a particular importance (and that these are key human rights issues).

5. Challenges
Myths and stereotypes about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people
Perceptions that SO and GI are:
difficult to discuss with government
“luxury items”
not a priority

6. Opportunities Unique role of NI: national, regional and international
Myths and stereotypes
There are many “difficult issues”
Activities can and should be context specific – we do what we can
Small actions can make a huge difference
Doing nothing is saying something

7. Questions for ourselves
What can we learn from each other?
What actions can we take together?
How can we support each other through APF?
FULL (NHRIs fully comply with Paris Principles)
Key decision-makers of the APF
Elect a “Forum Councillor” to the APF peak decision-making body (Forum Council); and
A jurist to sit on the APF’s Advisory Council of Jurists
CANDIDATE (NHRIs not fully comply with Paris Principles)
Requires a commitment from the applicant institution to take active steps to be fully meet Paris Principles
ASSOCIATE (institutions not able to comply within a reasonable period)
Must possess a broad human rights mandate; and
Only one institution will be admitted per Member State of the United Nations