We also developed a comprehensive capacity development program to enhance NHRIs’ ability to protect HRD rights. In April 2024, representatives from 22 NHRIs completed the program, which included five modules on HRD support and protection, training on the Right to Defend Rights tool, one-on-one workshops, and ongoing technical assistance. To further support our members, we launched a small grants program aimed at strengthening national-level data collection and reporting on HRDs, enabling NHRIs to better protect HRDs and track developments in civic space. We continue to foster collaboration through regional activities aligned with our Regional Action Plan on Human Rights Defenders (RAP), providing valuable opportunities for NHRIs to build skills and share best practices in protecting HRDs. Our RAP sets a clear agenda to champion the rights of HRDs across our region and also fulfills a commitment made under the 2018 GANHRI Marrakesh Declaration, which calls on NHRIs globally to support HRDs. Our HRDs program is part of the NHRI.EU project, funded by the European Union. APF Human Rights Defenders Working Group In early 2023, we established the APF Human Rights Defenders Working Group to guide the implementation of our RAP. The Working Group supports the RAP’s direction, monitors progress on key indicators and offers recommendations to strengthen its impact. The Working Group, with representatives from seven (7) NHRIs: Fiji, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Nepal, Oman, the Philippines, and Qatar, held its first meeting in May 2023, laying the groundwork for a baseline study on the challenges and opportunities in protecting HRDs. Meetings in August 2023, November 2023, and May 2024 focused on refining the Plan’s implementation, enhancing collaboration, and sharing national-level experiences in promoting and protecting HRD rights. In March 2024, the Working Group published its first annual report, highlighting progress in HRD protection and the impact of its activities over the past year. Key highlights included contributing to the HRD Regional Action Plan Baseline Assessment Report, the report ‘Digital Security & Human Rights Defenders Landscape: Recommendations for NHRIs in the Asia-Pacific’, and the development of a monitoring and evaluation framework for the RAP, to ensure that progress is tracked with transparency and accountability. Protecting our members from threats of reprisals When NHRIs or their staff face intimidation or reprisals for their human rights work, we provide support through public statements, dialogue facilitation, advocacy with governments and international organisations, and assistance for at-risk staff. In October 2023, the APF Chairperson issued a statement in support of the Palestine Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR), highlighting the danger to its personnel and families amid the escalating conflict in Gaza, which had resulted in casualties, displacement and destruction of homes. Throughout 2023-24, the APF worked with members and partners to issue statements supporting the Commission and amplified the ICHR’s advocacy via social media, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis and its submission to the International Criminal Court. 16 APF Annual Report 2023-24