NGOs and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI) have been invited to attend a consultation meeting prior to the 15th Workshop on the Framework on Regional Cooperation for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Asia Pacific Region.

The meeting will be held on 20 April 2010 at the Bangkok Marriott Resort and Spa, 257, Charoennakorn Road, Thonburi, Bangkok 10600 Thailand.  .

The purpose of the meeting include discussion among NGOs and NHRIs on common position and strategies, coordination and division of work with regards to civil society inputs and participation in the 15th Workshop.

FORUM-ASIA executive director Yap Swee Seng will brief participants on the agenda of the Workshop, while Rory Mungoven, Coordinator, Asia Pacific Section, Field Office and Technical Cooperation Division, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights will share on NGO and NHRI participation in past Workshops. Anselmo Lee, from the Korean Human Rights Foundation will chair the question and answer and open discussion on NGOs’ position and engagement strategies with the Workshops.

There will also be group sessions to discuss inputs on thematic issues such as: National Human Rights Action Plan,  National Human Rights Institutions,  Human Rights Education,  and the Right to Development and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

A plenary to discuss inputs on Asia regional human rights mechanism for South East Asia ( ASEAN),  South Asia (SAARC),  Asia Pacific Forum on National Human Rights Institution, Pacific Island and Pacific Forum,  Central Asia and Middle East will be organised as well.

The final plenary will see the outcome of the NGO and NHRIs statements and division of roles.

For further enquiries, kindly telephone: +662 4760022 and fax: +662 4761120.