2.2 Legal support NHRIs can provide legal advice and assistance to HRDs - for example when they face arbitrary arrest or other forms of judicial harassment - helping them navigate complex legal systems, defend their rights, and seek justice. This support can also empower HRDs to continue their important work with greater confidence and protection, knowing they have legal backing. Example: using national legislation in Iraq In Iraq, as in other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, there is no specific HRD law, which poses a challenge in terms of legal protection for HRDs. To provide legal support to HRDs facing reprisals, the High Commission for Human Rights of Iraq therefore relies on provisions of the criminal code and other national legislation that protect citizens (or state employees in the case of NHRI staff) from harm. 2.3 Investigating complaints By investigating reported violations of HRD rights - as per their complaints handling procedures NHRIs can show authorities that these issues are being closely watched, while validating HRDs’ claims and experiences and helping them seek justice. These investigations can also deter future violations by holding perpetrators accountable and raising public awareness, creating a safer environment for HRDs. 2.4 Security training and planning NHRIs can help HRDs better understand and analyse the risks they are facing and plan actions strengthen their security and protection. NHRIs can link HRDs with relevant organisations and resources, as well as support and deliver security training themselves. Resources 2.5 • NGOs including Front Line Defenders (www.frontlinedefenders.org) and Protection International (www.protectioninternational.org) have developed a range of resources to support security planning for HRDs, including: • Front Line Defenders, The Protection Handbook for Human Rights Defenders (2007) • Protection International, The New Protection Manual (2009) • Front Line Defenders, The Workbook on Security (2016) Improving physical and digital security NHRIs can help HRDs improve their physical and digital security, through financial, material or technical support and connecting HRDs with other organizations who can help in this field. Example: Mexican protection mechanism for HRDs In Mexico, the national and decentralised NHRIs cooperate with the Mexican protection mechanism for HRDs and journalists, which was established in 2012. With independent funding, the protection mechanism is able to “quickly and independently decide how and when to assign bodyguards, panic buttons, armored cars, and relocation assistance”. By 2020, the measures had reportedly helped protect 1,300 people under threat. Source: Human Rights Watch Relocation and Respite Toolkit 13