Part D NHRIs supporting relocation and respite for HRDs The APF Regional Action Plan on HRDs outlines two main ways NHRIs can support relocation and respite for defenders at risk, where deemed safe. Firstly, NHRIs can facilitating support to HRDs through established relocation and respite initiatives. Secondly, to complement existing global initiatives and recognising the risks faced by NHRI staff as HRDs themselves, NHRIs can develop their own HRD relocation or respite initiatives, where safe to do so and appropriate in the national context. According to a survey conducted by APF in 2023, 27% of the 11 participating NHRIs said they were involved in supporting the relocation of HRDs, including NHRI staff members, who were fleeing their countries. Source: APF, Baseline Assessment Report: Human Rights Defenders and Civic Space 1 Supporting HRDs’ relocation and respite through established initiatives An NHRI in the HRD’s home country can support a HRD at risk – including their own staff and their families - to access existing relocation and respite programmes, working with the range of actors necessary to make sure they access programmes and visas and can leave the country safely. Example: large-scale relocation of AIHRC staff and their families In Afghanistan, the resurgence of the Taliban in 2021 brought immense risks to the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) and necessitated the large-scale relocation of its personnel. As the deadline for the withdrawal of US troops approached, AIHRC staff were initially transferred from regional offices to Kabul. Measures were taken to safeguard physical and electronic data and wipe identifiable pictures from AIHRC’s website. Following the US withdrawal from the country, the focus turned to international relocation for AIHRC staff, given the lack of any in-country protection. The AIHRC identified frontline staff who were most at risk of retribution. Over a period of 16 months, the AIHRC worked closely with APF, which set up a 24/7 response team with local experts to identify the best chances of removal in the ever-changing environment. Overall, the effort involved mobilizing a wide range of actors. APF used its good offices to communicate with numerous governments, vouching for individuals and advocating for visa and asylum possibilities. It also secured support from UN and other influential actors. AICHR and APF worked with the main international NGOs supporting HRDs at risk to arrange the logistics of getting people across the border to Pakistan and Iran safely, particularly after the closure of Kabul airport. Through this work, 604 people – NHRI staff and their family members – were relocated from Afghanistan. Relocation and Respite Toolkit 21