The Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI) held the Annual Regional Conference 2019 in Seoul, South Korea, on 2-3 September 2019. The theme this year was ‘Role of NHRIs in the Context of Democratic Space and Fundamental Freedoms.’ The conference was with the collaborative help from ANNI member, the Korean House for International Solidarity (KHIS). There were around 30 ANNI members from various Asian countries and actively participating in this year’s conference.

The ANNI Regional Conference 2019 aimed at discussing issues relevant to improving the work and functioning of Asian NHRIs, as well as fostering dialogue and partnership with relevant stakeholders. This year the conference was held in parallel to the 24th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Asia Pacific Forum of NHRIs (APF). During the AGM, ANNI representatives were present at the NHRI-NGO Dialogue session. This was a good opportunity for ANNI to advocate for its main priorities and deepen ANNI’s continued engagement with the APF and NHRIs.

On the final day of the conference, the ANNI Report 2019 was also launched.  In light of the adoption of the Marrakech Declaration and the shrinking of civic and democratic spaces across Asia, this year’s ANNI report explores the role of NHRIs in relation to the shrinking democratic space and fundamental freedoms.