A/HRC/34/52 for the protection of human rights (32 communications were sent in 2014; 11 were sent in 2015; and 12 were sent in the first half of 2016). 77. The decline in cases of reprisals is deceptive. It does not account for many of the tragedies experienced by defenders on the ground or for the perverse effect of such acts on the whole of civil society in its struggle to protect human rights. The Special Rapporteur has observed that reprisals take the form of threats, surveillance, prohibition from leaving a country, arrests on spurious grounds and physical attacks against defenders and their families. They may be intended mainly to affect individuals and their families, but they also hamper any form of long-term cooperation, thus isolating a country’s civil society from the rest of the international community. 78. The Special Rapporteur was shocked by the way in which many individuals whom he met in Geneva or during his trips abroad had suffered attacks, including sometimes at the United Nations itself. It is absolutely crucial that all stakeholders take action against such attacks, which threaten the very functioning of the United Nations, itself founded on dialogue and international cooperation. 79. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the fact that the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, together with the Head of the New York Office of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has been appointed by the SecretaryGeneral to lead the efforts of the United Nations to put a stop to reprisals against those who cooperate with the Organization on human rights issues. He hopes that this new initiative will enhance responsiveness and result in measures that have a direct impact on specific cases, and not limit themselves simply to recording the facts. According to Mukunda Kattel, Director of the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-Asia): The mandate holder has helped to connect defenders in the field with international defender protection mechanisms. This link has proven essential for giving courage and energy to those who promote and protect human rights, sometimes in difficult or even adverse conditions. It has also put some pressure on States to respect their human rights obligations. Together, these various measures have made it possible to respond in part to the problem of reprisals and impunity. IV. Conclusions 80. In just 20 years, the world that witnessed the signing of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders has undergone significant changes. Nevertheless, the hopes raised by that Declaration remain alive. The same is true of the legitimate aspirations of millions of people: to live in a society that is freer, more just, more egalitarian, and where every person is able to enjoy their human rights. Those who are fighting for this to become a reality should be recognized as the heroes of our time. All too often, defenders have sacrificed their lives and their families’ safety so that we may have access to decent housing, good-quality education, or simply be able to vote or to express ourselves without fear. These brave women and men continue to be vilified, threatened and attacked throughout the world. Every day, every week, there are insidious attempts to destroy years of hard work aimed at better protecting defenders. When human rights defenders are attacked, it is ultimately democracy that comes under threat. 81. Today, recognizing the tragic and seemingly hopeless situations facing so many defenders is no longer the issue. Indeed, time and again, their plight has been reported, condemned and communicated by many. This dire situation does not allow us the luxury of sitting back and waiting. Let there be no doubt. It is our moral responsibility to embody the ideals of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and GE.17-00986 17