Digital Security and Human Rights Defenders Landscape: Recommendations for NHRIs in the Asia-Pacific examines the challenges encountered by human rights defenders (HRDs) in the Asia-Pacific region within the context of the digital era, offering a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in safeguarding HRDs. In doing so, this report delves into the landscape of digital security threats arising from legal constraints, disruptions in internet accessibility, digital surveillance practices, and the proliferation of government-supported “cybertroops”. The examination of the initiatives implemented by NHRIs sheds light on their current institutional constraints. Recognising the critical support framework outlined in the Marrakech Declaration, the report recommends several measures for NHRIs to increase the capacity to monitor and report on rights violations, increase the impact of advocacy and capacity-building activities, and enhance the networking of NHRIs. These measures encompass developing a clear action plan for digital rights protection, actively engaging with diverse stakeholders such as parliaments and tech companies, strengthening the capacity of NHRI personnel, and promoting increased collaboration among NHRIs at both regional and international levels. By implementing these strategic actions, NHRIs are poised to more effectively champion the crucial role played by HRDs, thereby contributing to a more robust defense of human rights in the evolving digital landscape.
