Human rights defenders’ small grants initiative The APF’s Regional Action Plan of Human Rights Defenders 2021-2025 (‘RAP’) sets up an agenda for actions to champion the rights of human rights defenders across the AsiaPacific region. The Action Plan also realises a key commitment of the APF and its member NHRIs under the 2018 Marrakesh Declaration, which establishes a global framework of actions by NHRIs to support the rights of human rights defenders (‘HRDs’). Over the last year the APF developed extensive guidelines and toolkits to support and safeguard HRDs, acknowledging their crucial role in promoting justice, equality, and fundamental freedoms. These include: • Data Protection Guidelines for National Human Rights Institutions: Practical advice on how NHRIs can protect personal information relating to HRDs. • Engaging with Regional and International Actors Toolkit: A practical guide for NHRIs on engaging with regional CSOs, regional human rights mechanisms and international actors for the protection and promotion of HRDs’ rights. • Relocation and Respite Toolkit: A Practical Guide for NHRIs on facilitating relocation and respite of HRDs from threats of reprisals. These resources offer practical guidance, strategic insights, and essential tools to help NHRIs tackle challenges, reduce risks, and enhance their advocacy. By providing NHRIs with clear frameworks and actionable recommendations, the aim is to foster a safer and more supportive environment for human rights across the Asia Pacific region. To consolidate and apply the knowledge and skills acquired from the APF’s capacity development programs, the APF launched a small grants initiative to support NHRIs in enhancing their national data monitoring and reporting. The initiative focuses on innovative approaches using the ‘right to defend rights tool’ (‘R2DRT’) and aims to improve information and monitoring systems for HRDs, document their contributions and challenges, and enhance NHRI dialogue with governments and stakeholders on these issues. The NHRIs of the Maldives, Mongolia and Nepal received funding under this initiative to implement national-level projects. Value of APF activities to strengthen NHRI capability to effectively promote, protect and respond to human rights issues 0 5 10 15 8 20 14 25 1 Rate the value to your institution of the APF’s training and capacity development activities Very Low APF Annual Report 2024-25 Low Average High Very High Not Applicable 23