Executive Summary The APF Human Rights Defenders Working Group Annual Report 2024-2025 provides an overview of key activities, achievements, challenges, and recommendations related to the implementation of the APF Regional Action Plan on Human Rights Defenders (HRDs). The report highlights the progress made in strengthening National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), advocating for legal protections, and fostering regional collaboration to support HRDs across the Asia Pacific region. Key achievements Over the past year, significant strides have been made in implementing the Regional Action Plan, including: • Capacity development: A training program reached 22 NHRIs, enabling 50 staff to enhance their ability to protect HRDs. Several institutions have taken significant steps to implement protection measures. • Digital tool for data collection: The introduction of the Right to Defend Rights Tool (R2DRT), in partnership with the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR), enabled NHRIs to assess the HRD environment and situation more effectively. • Advocacy and policy engagement: Strengthened collaboration with governments and regional organisations resulted in increased discussions on legal protections for HRDs. • HRD monitoring: The launch of the Regional Outlook Dashboard improved the ability to track HRD situations across the region. • Small grants initiative: Financial support was provided to selected NHRIs to enhance HRD data collection and monitoring mechanisms. • NHRI Expansion: Support for the establishment of new NHRIs led to the accreditation of institutions in Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Challenges and Gaps Despite these achievements, several challenges continue to hinder progress: • Limited government cooperation: In some countries, a lack of political will has slowed efforts to implement HRD protection mechanisms. • Resource constraints: Financial and operational limitations prevent some NHRIs from fully executing their mandates. • Digital threats to HRDs: Increased surveillance, online harassment, and cybersecurity risks continue to endanger HRDs. • Weak regional collaboration: Some NHRIs have yet to fully engage in peer exchanges and joint initiatives, limiting collective impact. APF Human Rights Defenders Working Group: Annual Report 2024-25 4