About this Practical Guide In Asia Pacific, as in other regions, human rights defenders play a pivotal role in advancing fairer and more just societies and have achieved many successes, as recognised by the UN Special Rapporteur on HRDs1. At the same time, recent years have witnessed a sharp decline in the civic and democratic space across the region. Human rights defenders (HRDs) in many countries operate under immense personal risk, enduring threats and intimidation. In some contexts, the erosion of the rule of law, often justified by national security concerns, coupled with restrictive legislation, policies, and government initiatives, further obstruct HRDs’ ability to carry out their work effectively and safely. Across the region, HRDs continue to show determination and resilience in the face of immense personal risk and challenges. In 2021, the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) adopted the APF Regional Action Plan on HRDs (RAP), demonstrating the collective commitment of APF and its members to protect and promote the rights of HRDs in Asia Pacific. The four-year plan outlines regional and national actions to recognise the dignity of defenders and strengthen respect for their rights. It also honours a key commitment under the “Marrakesh Declaration,” adopted at the 13th international conference of NHRIs in 2018: “Expanding the civic space and promoting and protecting HRDs, with a specific focus on women: The role of National Human Rights Institutions”. This practical guide has been developed to assist NHRIs in implementing Regional Action #4 of the APF Regional Action Plan: “Facilitate relocation and respite for Human Rights Defenders.” Although often considered a last resort, relocation and respite initiatives are crucial among the various measures to protect the safety and well-being of HRDs. The practical guide aims to help NHRIs in Asia Pacific explore different ways to support HRDs facing threats and reprisals, with a particular focus on facilitating relocation and respite. The practical guide begins by examining different types of risks faced by HRDs (PART A) and the broader role of NHRIs in supporting HRDs facing risks and reprisals (PART B). It then takes a closer look at relocation and respite initiatives (PART C) and explores different ways NHRIs can support relocation and respite for HRDs (PART D). It concludes by considering the importance of ensuring well-being of HRDs partaking in relocation and respite programmes (PART E). Links to relevant tools and resources are included in each section. 1. UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Success through perseverance and solidarity: 25 years of achievements by human rights defenders (2022) (A/HRC/52/29). Relocation and Respite Toolkit 5