The Strategic Plan 2016-2019 has been developed over the last six months in consultation and with the participation of members. It is designed to reflect the key areas of work which members feel they can contribute to, and benefit from, during the term which the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is the chair of the forum. The Strategic Plan will be implemented by the Chair and by members who have taken on the role of ‘focal point’ for a specific strategic priority.

The eight strategic priorities identified are:

• Child, early and forced marriage
• Climate justice
• Freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly
• Migration
• Post-conflict, reconciliation and human rights
• The Universal Periodic Review Process
• Human rights based approaches for good governance
• Business and human rights

CFNHRI Chair and NIHRC Chief Commissioner, Les Allamby stated:

I am delighted to launch the first Strategic Plan of the Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (CFNHRI) today.

This Strategic Plan was developed with CFNHRI members, and together we have set out eight priorities which will direct our future work on issues including climate justice, freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, and business and human rights.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the members who have taken on the role of focal points for the eight strategic priorities. I look forward to working together to build an inclusive forum for networking and sharing of experiences, information, knowledge and best practice among Commonwealth National Human Rights Institutions.