1 Applying the “do no harm” principle in HRD protection As NHRIs contemplate their responses to support HRDs at risk, it is crucial to uphold the “do no harm” principle. The “do no harm” principle means doing our best to ensure interventions do not inadvertently cause harm. Even well-intentioned actions can have unexpected consequences. The safety and wellbeing of the person we are seeking to help, as well as of the NHRI and its staff, must be the central concern at all times. Practically, “do no harm” involves carefully thinking about the impact of planned actions, considering any potential risks and ways to reduce these. NHRIs should work together with at-risk HRDs to assess the benefits and risks of different possible actions, ensuring the person’s consent is given for any course of action taken. Particularly when making public statements or other interventions, NHRIs need to make sure these are not going make the situation worse or lead to retaliations. 2 What measures can help protect HRDs facing risks and reprisals? Reprisals against HRDs rarely occur without warning. They typically follow a pattern that begins with threats and can escalate into aggression. NHRIs and other actors can implement a range of measures to support and protect HRDs facing such threats and reprisals, helping them feel safer and continue their work. The following examples of NHRI action focus on measures that can be taken in response to specific situations of threats or reprisals faced by HRDs. These complement policies and measures which NHRIs can put in place to proactively recognise and support HRD rights and help create an enabling environment for their work, as set out in the APF Regional Action Plan: 2.1 Providing recognition NHRIs and other influential actors, such as members of the international community, can enhance an HRD’s credibility and visibility by publicly acknowledging their work as legitimate. This recognition can bolster the HRD’s security and discourage reprisals by raising the political stakes of any actions taken against them. NHRIs can provide recognition through public statements, communications with governments, and in reports to other bodies, among others. Example: Komnas HAM endorses HRDs work When HRDs in Indonesia were facing legal harassment, the NHRI, Komnas HAM, made a statement endorsing their work as HRDs, following encouragement from civil to do so. This helped demonstrate the HRDs’ legitimacy and contributed to building widespread support for the HRDs among other actors. Source: Interview with FORUM-ASIA Example: CHR of the Philippines speaking out for HRDs The Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines has repeatedly publicly condemned attacks against HRDs in the country, calling for investigations into these attacks and requesting the authorities to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of HRDs. Source: Interview with FORUM-ASIA Relocation and Respite Toolkit 11