New guide supports NHRIs to protect human rights defenders

The APF, in partnership with the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), has developed a new resource outlining step-by-step actions that National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) can take to implement the APF Regional Action Plan on Human Rights Defenders. 

The Operational Guidelines are aimed towards leaders and members of NHRIs, including Ombudspersons, Commissioners, Senior Executive Officers, senior managers, and staff involved in protecting and promoting the rights of human rights defenders (HRDs). 

The guide, which is accompanied by an online course in the APF Community, aims to support NHRIs in implementing the regional action plan at the national level. 

Protecting the rights of HRDs

The APF Regional Action Plan sets out the regional and national actions that the APF and its member institutions will carry out over the next four years to improve the rights of HRDs in the Asia Pacific.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, HRDs have faced increased threats to their security, wellbeing and ability to speak out against rights violations. 

The shrinking civic space across the region and its impact on the capability of HRDs to work safely, demands a collective and systematic response in terms of advocacy, strategic partnerships, and program development from NHRIs and partners. 

The Operational Guidelines are intended to provide guidance for NHRIs to implement the regional action plan, assisting NHRIs to take practical, actionable steps to ensure the protection of HRDs. 

The guidelines are currently available in Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, English and Russian. 

Date: 28 February 2022