Contents Acknowledgement 04 About this Practical Guide 05 Part A: Risks faced by human rights defenders 06 1. Different types of risks faced by HRDs 06 2. Who can be targeted? 07 3. NHRIs as HRDs 07 4. HRDs facing heightened risks 07 5. Who perpetrates violations against HRDs? 08 Part B: The role of NHRIs in supporting HRDs facing risks and reprisals 10 1. Applying the “do no harm” principle in HRD protection 11 2. What measures can help protect HRDs facing risks and reprisals? 11 2.1. Providing recognition 11 2.2. Legal support 12 2.3. Investigating complaints 12 2.4. Security training and planning 12 2.5. Improving physical and digital security 12 2.6. Supporting well-being 13 2.7. Engaging with the UN on reprisals for cooperating with the UN 14 2.8. Facilitating relocation and respite 14 Part C: Facilitating “relocation and respite” for HRDs facing risks and reprisals 16 1. What is “Relocation and Respite” 16 2. Relocation and respite programmes 16 3. How long are relocation programmes? 17 4. Who is involved in supporting relocation and respite? 17 Part D: NHRIs supporting relocation and respite for HRDs 20 1. Supporting HRDs’ relocation and respite through established initiatives 20 2. NHRIs can develop their own HRD relocation and respite initiatives 21 Part E: Ensuring well-being in relocation and respite initiatives 22 1. Providing understanding and recognition 22 2. Ensuring a supportive environment 22 3. Tailored well-being plans 23 4. Flexible programming and maintaining support 23 Relocation and Respite Toolkit 3