2 The rights of human rights defenders The rights of human rights defenders are enshrined in the core international human rights treaties, which establish the normative protection framework for HRDs. In 1998, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on human rights defenders, which does not create new rights but instead clarifies existing ones, making them more applicable to the practical roles and situations of human rights defenders. The Declaration outlines several key rights to support and protect individuals and groups who promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. These include essential rights and freedoms such as freedom of expression, association, assembly, and access to information. It also underscores the right of human rights defenders to seek, obtain, receive, and hold information about human rights. While the Declaration itself is not legally binding, it is based on principles enshrined in other binding international instruments. The fact that it was adopted by consensus reflects a strong commitment by states to its implementation. Resources 3 • The UN Declaration on human rights defenders • Easy-to-Understand Poster on the Declaration on human rights defenders The role of NHRIs in protecting and promoting the rights of HRDs NHRIs play a unique role in protecting and promoting HRDs’ rights as both independent bodies responsible for monitoring, investigating, and promoting human rights within their respective countries, and as HRDs themselves. This unique role was recognised by NHRIs from around the world in the “Marrakesh Declaration”, adopted at the 13th international conference of NHRIs: “Expanding the civic space and promoting and protecting HRDs, with a specific focus on women: The role of National Human Rights Institutions”. The Marrakech Declaration establishes a global framework of actions by NHRIs to support the rights of HRDs, emphasizing the specific gender-based risks encountered by women human rights defenders (WHRDs). The APF adopted a Regional Action Plan on Human Rights Defenders (RAP) as a key commitment under the Marrakesh Declaration. It establishes an agenda for action on behalf of the APF and its NHRI members to champion the rights of HRDs across the Asia Pacific region. Efforts to strengthen civic space and safeguard HRD rights must prioritize the unique risks and challenges faced by WHRDs and those advocating for marginalized communities, such as indigenous Peoples, land rights activists, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. In many countries in the region, these defenders are particularly vulnerable due to their efforts to dismantle entrenched social norms and power structures. NHRIs play a crucial role in addressing these issues by challenging gendered narratives surrounding HRDs and incorporating gender considerations into all aspects of their work. This includes the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of measures to support HRDs, as recognised by the APF RAP. In addition, NHRIs can provide targeted interventions and tailored measures for specific groups of HRDs to safeguard their rights effectively. Resources • The Marrakesh Declaration • The GANHRI Global action plan • The APF Regional Action Plan on HRDs (see box). • Implementation Guidelines for the APF Regional Action Plan on Human Rights Defenders (RAP) Engaging with Regional and International Actors Toolkit 7