A/HRC/33/39 categories of persons who might face exclusion, such as persons left without residency documents following eviction and resettlement. The need to ensure a transparent process and to establish effective and impartial complaint procedures was emphasized. 24. On numerous occasions, OHCHR worked closely with civil society organizations to address specific incidents. It followed up on more than 50 cases relating to human rights defenders, community activists and journalists on issues ranging from arbitrary arrest and detention, harassment and threats against them, to violations of fundamental freedoms. OHCHR documented the cases, followed up with relevant authorities, visited the persons affected in detention, and, when necessary, helped them to find lawyers and monitored their trials. 25. In addition, OHCHR organized three specialized training sessions on the methodology of human rights monitoring and fact-finding for civil society organizations, with a focus on local or grass-roots activists, including 49 monks from Battambang province, 34 member of trade unions and farmer associations in Prey Veng and Svay Rieng provinces, and 35 human rights defenders from Kampot, Koh Kong and Preah Sihanouk provinces, including 10 women. Participants acknowledged the relevance of the training in their daily work, in particular the importance of verifying information, analysing facts and systematically documenting them. 26. The controversial draft trade unions law was adopted by the National Assembly in April 2016 amidst concerns of trade unions and other civil society stakeholders about requirements that they deemed to be excessive and that they allege could have the greatest effect on independent unions. OHCHR thoroughly analysed the draft, identifying the provisions inconsistent with international standards on freedom of association, particularly on the establishment, functioning and dissolution of trade unions. OHCHR welcomed the provision setting at 10 the minimum number of workers needed to establish a trade union, which is lower than that contained in earlier drafts. 27. While recognizing that the draft had been thoroughly reviewed by select stakeholders, OHCHR was among various commentators that called for full and meaningful public consultations, allowing anyone with a view to voice it, including civil society organizations. A public consultation was eventually held, but was limited to a half-day session at the National Assembly, resulting in one amendment. The Assembly subsequently voted strictly along party lines, with CPP lawmakers voting in favour and CNRP lawmakers voting against it. At a protest being held outside the National Assembly during the vote, security guards assaulted a trade unionist and directed others away. 28. OHCHR, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and a number of civil society organizations continued to engage in a broadbased consultative process with the Ministry of Information on the preparation of a draft law on access to information. OHCHR contributed to several workshops organized under a project in support of the Ministry of Information and UNESCO by a Swedish aid agency. In a meeting held in February 2016 by the technical working group established to prepare the draft law, the Minister for Information announced his aim of having the draft finalized by the end of 2016. III. Promoting the rule of law 29. Through its rule of law programme, OHCHR supported the legal and judicial reform process, working with a range of actors, including the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Council of Magistracy, judges and prosecutors at all levels, and lawyers, among others. The degree of cooperation with them remained strong. OHCHR technical assistance contributed to improving the capacity of judicial actors and other law enforcement officers to comply 6