Maldives – Training on the Right to Defend Rights Tool Organised by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM), the workshop successfully strengthened stakeholders’ capacity to monitor and protect human rights defenders (HRDs). It enhanced participants’ understanding of HRDs’ rights and improved data collection frameworks, ensuring a more structured approach to monitoring civic space in the Maldives. Main Outcomes • Capacity building: HRCM staff and CSOs were trained to use the R2DRT, improving their ability to assess civic space and HRDs’ rights. • Enhanced awareness: Participants gained a deeper understanding of international frameworks such as the UN Resolution on Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) and the Marrakech Declaration. • Improved data collection: A practical, inclusive, and gender-sensitive data collection work plan was developed to better monitor HRD situations. • Stronger collaboration: The workshop fostered partnerships between the HRCM, CSOs, and organisations such as the DIHR and the APF, creating a foundation for future joint initiatives. • Regional engagement: The activity’s hybrid format enabled local participation from different regions, ensuring contextualised HRD monitoring mechanisms. • Gender equality & women’s political participation: A two-day training was conducted in the Central Maldives on the rights of HRDs, monitoring civic space through the R2DR monitoring toolkit, and Gender Equality, particularly women’s political participation. Overall Impact The HRCM reports that the workshop has laid the groundwork for more coordinated, datadriven, and inclusive approaches to monitoring and supporting HRDs in the Maldives. By equipping stakeholders with practical knowledge and tools and strengthening networks, the project has contributed to enhancing civic space protections and advancing human rights advocacy in the country. APF Human Rights Defenders Working Group: Annual Report 2024-25 20