Tactics and tools for the protection
of Human Rights Defenders

The Asian NGOs Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI) was established in December 2006, during the 1st Regional Consultation and Cooperation between National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and NGOs in Asia, which was organized by the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUMASIA), in Bangkok, Thailand. The idea was to establish a network of Asian NGOs and human rights defenders engaged with NHRIs with the primary goal of helping establish and develop accountable, independent, effective, and transparent NHRIs in Asia. National human rights institutions are viewed as primary protection mechanisms for human rights defenders working on the ground. In the report of the former UN Special Representative of the Secretary General on the situation of human rights defenders (E/CN.4/2006/95, par. 76), Ms. Hina Jilani observed that NHRIs, such as commissions and ombudsmen, can play a critical role in the protection of human rights defenders.

The 2009 ANNI Report now closely examines three main areas. On the issue pertaining to the independence of NHRIs, the members focused on the selection process of new members of NHRIs in their particular countries. With respect to the effectiveness of NHRIs, the national reports looked specifically on the complaints handling systems of NHRIs. Finally, the national reports took a closer look as well at the consultation and cooperation between NGOs and NHRIs. The 2009 ANNI Report covers the period from 01 January 2008 to 30 December 2008, with additions of critical developments occurring during the first quarter of 2009. Writers of the national reports took care to ensure that there is no duplication in terms of the content of the national report in the 2008 ANNI Report. FORUM-ASIA, as convenor of the ANNI, extends its deepest appreciation to all ANNI members, writers, and editors who have worked hard to produce the national reports. We also would like to thank the NHRIs in Asia, and all the other friends and partners of the ANNI, who made this publication possible through their input and guidance. We especially would like to express our deepest gratitude to Professor Nohyun Kwak, Mr. Ciarán Ó Maoláin, and Professor Brian Burdekin, for sharing with the ANNI their expertise as the members formulated guidelines and indicators for the drafting of the reports. Also, without the financial support of Ford Foundation, Sweden International Development Agency and Hivos, ANNI’s work and this publication would not be made possible.

Again, with this report, we hope to express our deep and sincere commitment to work with NHRIs in building a community devoted to the promotion and protection of human rights in Asia.