Implementation Guidelines for Regional Action Plan on Human Rights Defenders A. About this guide This resource provides a step-by-step guideline for your National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) to implement the APF Regional Action plan on Human Rights Defenders (RAP). This resource, and the accompanying online course in the APF Community, aim to support your NHRI in implementing the Regional Action Plan at the national level. B. Who is this guide for? This guide is for leaders and members of NHRIs, including Ombudspersons, Commissioners, Senior Executive Officers (SEOs), senior managers, as well as staff that will be involved in work to promote and protect the rights of human rights defenders (HRDs). C. How to use this guide You can use this guide for individual learning at any time of your choosing, or, together with your colleagues when you begin the process of incorporating a focus on HRDs into your work. An accompanying online course is also available for NHRI staff to undertake in the APF Community. D. The APF Regional Action Plan on Human Rights Defenders (RAP) The Regional Action Plan on Human Rights Defenders (RAP) establishes an agenda for action on behalf of the APF and its members to champion the rights of HRDs across the region. The RAP also realises a key commitment of the APF and its members under the 2018 Marrakesh Declaration,1 which established a global framework of actions by NHRIs to support the rights of HRDs. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, HRDs have faced increased threats to their security, wellbeing and ability to speak out against rights violations. The shrinking civic space across the region and its impact on the capability of HRDs to work safely, demands a collective and systematic response in terms of advocacy, strategic partnerships, and program development from NHRIs and your partners. The RAP highlights the increased risks faced by Women HRDs (WHRDs) and includes an engagement to focus support for defenders in key critical areas, including business and human rights; disability rights; rights related to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC); and the right to a safe and healthy environment. Importantly, the RAP recognises the central role that NHRIs play in defence of HRDs, and as HRDs themselves. The RAP contains regional and national actions that the APF and its member NHRIs will implement by 2025 to improve respect for the rights of defenders in the Asia Pacific. 1 6 https://ganhri.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Marrakech-Declaration_ENG_-12102018-FINAL.pdf