Capacity Development Programme on HRDs Representatives from 22 NHRIs across the Asia Pacific participated in a new capacity development program focused on promoting and protecting the rights of HRDs. Conducted by the APF in collaboration with the Danish Institute for Human Rights, the program aimed to strengthen the capability of NHRIs’ ability to safeguard and advocate for HRDs’ rights. Held online from 1 – 30 April, 2024, the course consisted of five modules covering key aspects of NHRI engagement with HRDs, including their role as defenders, monitors and allies. Participants received guidance on utilising the R2DRT, which helps assess the enabling environment for HRDs with human rights indicators. The course also addressed strategies for facilitating HRD relocation and providing respite. Beyond the core modules, the program included one-on-one workshops and ongoing technical assistance, ensuring tailored support for participating NHRIs. An online community of practice was also established within the APF Community platform, fostering dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among participants. Survey results indicated the program’s effectiveness. Participants’ overall understanding and knowledge retention significantly improved, from an average pre-training score of 2.82 to 4.29 post-training. APF Human Rights Defenders Working Group: Annual Report 2024-25 18