• Engagement with international and regional mechanisms: NHRIs collaborate with the United Nations and regional human rights bodies to advocate for HRD protection. However, engagement in reporting reprisals remains limited. The APF Regional Action Plan has supported advocacy programs, public information campaigns, and training initiatives to enhance NHRI effectiveness. • Strengthening national protection frameworks: Seven NHRIs are working towards the establishment of national mechanisms for HRD protection, advocating for specific laws, and reinforcing institutional capacities. Some have launched policy guidelines and dedicated HRD desks within their institutions. Gaps and areas for improvement While significant efforts are being made, gaps remain in the effective protection of HRDs, including: • Only two out of five surveyed NHRIs are developing national action plans aligned with the Marrakech Declaration. • There is limited engagement with the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights regarding acts of intimidation and reprisals. • Regional collaboration among NHRIs remains weak. • Some NHRIs struggle with data collection and awareness impact assessments, limiting their ability to track progress on HRD protection effectively. Impact of the APF Regional Action Plan An APF online survey conducted in February 2025 as part of the Regional Action Plan on HRDs final evaluation reported positive impacts from the Regional Action Plan, including: • Increased awareness on HRDs among government officials and civil society. • Strengthened institutional capacity through training and provision of resources • Enhanced advocacy efforts for HRD protection legislation. • Improved engagement with regional networks and peer institutions. However, challenges such as opposition to HRD activities, informal data collection methods, and resource limitations continue to be obstacles to fully realising the objectives of the Regional Action Plan. APF Human Rights Defenders Working Group: Annual Report 2024-25 15