ACTION PLAN TO SUPPORT HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS Representatives from eight APF members3 have met online to begin drafting a Regional Action Plan to protect and support human rights defenders in the Asia Pacific. It is part of a global effort by NHRIs to strengthen their work with and for human rights defenders. In 2018, NHRIs from around the globe pledged to bolster their support for human rights defenders amid a growing climate of threats, reprisals and a shrinking civic space. The Marrakech Declaration sets out a practical set of strategies for NHRIs to promote, protect and build cooperative partnerships with human rights defenders. The APF Regional Action Plan will respond to many of the ongoing challenges facing human rights defenders in the Asia Pacific region, as well as new threats arising from COVID-19, where restrictions on freedom of assembly, freedom of movement and other fundamental rights have the potential to accelerate the shrinking civic space. During the year, members of the APF Communications Network contributed ideas and case studies to develop three good practice guides on: • Communicating for social change • Leading constructive conversations online • Supporting NHRI communications expertise. They also shared news, reports and video content that was published on the APF website and in the monthly APF Bulletin. PACIFIC NHRIs DISCUSS OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOINT ADVOCACY Representatives from five NHRIs in the Pacific – Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa and Tuvalu – met in October 2019 to discuss areas of potential collaboration, with action on human rights and climate change a top priority. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet took part in the meeting and highlighted the vital role that independent NHRIs play to build strong and inclusive communities and respond to pressing human rights issues. Key among the issues raised was the impact of climate change on the lives of individuals, communities and cultures across the Pacific. Participants also considered the possibility of developing joint policy papers and advocacy on issues related to adaptability and sustainability that could help shape discussion at the region’s intergovernmental body, the Pacific Islands Forum. 3 The drafting group includes representatives from the NHRIs of Afghanistan, Iraq, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Palestine, Philippines and Sri Lanka. ANNUAL REPORT 2019–20 15