The APF took part in a side event on the protection of human rights defenders during the 24th ASEM Informal Seminar on Human Rights (ASEMHRS24) in Ulaanbaatar. Hosted by APF member the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia (NHRCM), the event, “From Law to Protection: Mongolia’s Lessons on Protecting Human Rights Defenders”, was held at UN House on 13 October.

APF Executive Director Thuy Doan-Smith offered a regional perspective on emerging risks for human rights defenders, current protection gaps and priorities for states and national human rights institutions (NHRIs). Protecting defenders is a core priority for APF, which works with its members to strengthen their role as protectors, monitors and supporters of defenders in a region that has no regional human rights mechanism.

“Fewer than half of the 57 UN Member States in our region have an accredited NHRIs, which is a significant human rights deficit for the protection of defenders”

That support is built around the APF Regional Action Plan on Human Rights Defenders, drafted by members in 2021 to implement the GANHRI Marrakesh Declaration across the region. It is complemented by capacity development initiatives includingpractical guides, toolsand small grants; including support to the NHRCM on monitoring of defender groups.

Mongolia’s experience shows what is possible – in 2021, the country adopted the Law on the Legal Status of Human Rights Defenders, which NHRCM describes as the first dedicated national law of its kind in Asia. It created a protection mechanism within the Commission, with a commissioner for human rights defenders, an independent Committee and a dedicated professional unit. According to NHRCM, in its first five years the mechanism has received 126 complaints and items of information, issued 14 conclusions, assessed the risks facing 28 defenders and placed four defenders under police protection. NHRCM also spoke openly about its challenges, including compliance by public authorities, timely responses to urgent risks and sustainable resources.

The event also heard from Commissioner Faydah Dumarpa of the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines on the use of national inquiries to strengthen accountability and protection.

Mongolia’s legal framework demonstrates practical protection at the national level and provides other NHRIs with a tested model to learn from and adapt. The APF thanks the NHRCM for its leadership and looks forward to continuing to support member NHRIs as they strengthen protection for human rights defenders across the Asia Pacific. Photo: NHRCM