Value of APF support for NHRIs facing threats of reprisals 85% of impacted NHRIs rated ‘very high’ or ‘high’ Source: APF Annual Member Survey 2024 Defending Online Freedoms: Human Rights in the Digital Era In December 2023, we launched the ‘Right to Defend Rights’ online data collection tool, designed to support HRDs across the Asia Pacific region. Developed in collaboration with the Danish Institute for Human Rights, this tool assesses the enabling environment for HRDs through specific human rights indicators and questionnaires aligned with international standards. Our initiative provided technical support to NHRIs through a training package and peer learning opportunities, helping them effectively use the tool. The tool establishes a baseline for understanding the human rights landscape in each country, addressing the urgent need for HRD protection in the face of evolving challenges. The data generated by the tool not only informs NHRI strategic priorities and activities but also serves as a robust reporting framework on human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also plays a vital role in shaping informed policies for human rights advocacy. The launch event also highlighted the release of our report published in collaboration with the Asia Centre, titled ‘Digital Security & Human Rights Defenders Landscape: Recommendations.’ The report outlines strategies that NHRIs are taking to strengthen the protection of HRDs in an increasingly digital world. APF Annual Report 2023-24 17