Contents Acknowledgement 04 About this Practical Guide 05 Part A. NHRIs as protectors and promoters of HRD rights 06 1. Who are human rights defenders? 06 2. The rights of human rights defenders 07 3. The role of NHRIs in protecting and promoting the rights of HRDs 07 The APF Regional Action Plan on HRDs 08 Paris Principles relevant to NHRI engagement with regional civil society organisations, regional mechanisms and international actors 09 Part B. Engaging with regional CSOs for the protection and promotion of HRDs and their rights 1. The role of regional CSOs and HRD Networks 10 10 1.1. Pooling resources and knowledge 10 1.2. Exchanging lessons learned and building skills 10 1.3. Providing strength in numbers 10 1.4. Connecting HRDs with international actors and mechanisms 10 Examples of regional CSOs and HRD Networks 11 Examples of international CSOs and HRD Networks 11 2. Why engage with regional CSOs to protect and promote HRD rights? 11 2.1. Expertise and regional knowledge 11 2.2. Bridge to grassroots organisations and HRDs 12 2.3. Emergency assistance for HRDs at risk 12 2.4. Meaningful participation of HRDs 12 2.5. Strengthening NHRI mandates for HRD protection 12 2.6. Data collection and analysis on violations 12 Part C. Engaging regional mechanisms for HRD rights 14 1. Regional human rights systems and HRD rights 14 2. Opportunities and challenges for engaging inter-governmental systems in the Asia-Pacific region 15 ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) 15 Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) 15 League of Arab States 15 Part D. Engaging with international actors on HRDs’ rights 17 1. What is the role of international actors? 17 2. Embassies and diplomats 17 3. UN bodies located in the country and regionally 18 Engaging with Regional and International Actors Toolkit 3