In terms of facilitating access to programmes and departure: NHRIs, civil society organizations, regional human rights bodies, and international actors may play a role in: • Informing HRDs at risk about relocation programmes and providing practical support in applying. • Providing HRDs’ at risk with visible legitimacy and leveraging their standing to advocate for their access to programmes and visas. • Facilitating the logistical and other essential support needed to guarantee a person’s safe departure from the country. Embassies can play a key role through providing access to short term visas, accelerated visa procedures or allowing asylum applications to be submitted outside of the host country. During relocation, engaged actors can include host organizations like civil society organisations or universities, medical professionals, well-being providers, immigration lawyers, and local and regional governments that offer housing programs and other support, among others. Example: Dr. Ali al-Bayati’s relocation from Iraq to the Netherlands In 2022, Dr. Ali al-Bayati, a former member of Iraq’s NHRI, the Iraq High Commission for Human Rights, faced an abusive legal complaint filed against him while he was investigating allegations of torture of detainees. Reflecting on his ordeal, he shared with HRW, “It is very humiliating and painful to be a doctor and human rights defender in a democratic country, and then enter a court accused not because of a crime you committed, but instead because you defended the rights of fellow citizens and fulfilled the duties you swore to perform.” Initially, Dr. Al-Bayati focused on combating the legal case. However, as the prosecution and intimidation persisted, he grew increasingly concerned for his safety. The Asia Pacific Forum (APF) worked with the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), other human rights organizations and diplomatic entities to facilitate his relocation to the Netherlands through the Protect Defenders program, which offers a six-month relocation grant. Dr. Al-Bayati obtained a visa and was able to leave the country swiftly, supporting himself until receiving relocation assistance. He sought asylum in the Netherlands, where he continues his human rights work today. Relocation and Respite Toolkit 19