Part D Engaging with international actors on HRDs’ rights 1 What is the role of international actors? International actors located in the country or regionally can play an important role in supporting HRDs at risk, including NHRI staff. Such actors can include diplomatic missions, international organisations and networks, international civil society organizations, and private sector entities among others. By publicly recognising HRDs, international actors can leverage their standing to increase an HRD’s profile and help deter acts of intimidation and aggression. Building relationships with international partners can be a way for HRDs at risk – including NHRIs – to establish vital support networks. Such support networks can offer information, guidance, and access to resources and influential connections, helping to improve HRDs’ security and responding in urgent cases of need. 2 Embassies and diplomats Several Western states have diplomatic policies and guidelines on HRDs, which means that their embassies should proactively support HRDs’ work in the countries in which they are located. This could include meeting with HRDs, providing visible recognition to HRDs, monitoring trials involving HRDs and responding in urgent cases, as well as protecting and promoting the rights of women human rights defenders and others particularly at risk. References Here are some examples of countries with diplomatic guidelines on HRDs • Canada: Voices at Risk • European Union: EU Guidelines on the Protection of HRDs • Finland: Finish Guidelines on HRDs • Norway: Guide for the foreign service • Switzerland: 2019 revised Swiss Guidelines on HRDs (replacing 2014 version of Swiss Guidelines on HRDs) • United Kingdom: UK support to HRDs • United States: Archived fact sheet on HRDs Engaging with Regional and International Actors Toolkit 17