A/HRC/10/12 page 5 defenders. Since the UPR started less than a year ago, in April 2008, and since the observations are based on only three sessions, the present analysis cannot be complete. It can, however, contribute to better highlighting the situation of human rights defenders in all stages of the process, and to further serving as a tool regarding human rights defenders in national follow-up activities. 7. In her last report to the Human Rights Council, the Special Representative noted that the UPR could be an “opportunity to monitor the situation of human rights defenders in States reviewed by the Human Rights Council”.1 She therefore encouraged Governments and other stakeholders to report on the situation of human rights defenders in national reports or in contributions submitted for the preparation of the reports on which the UPR is based.2 8. The Special Rapporteur also considers the UPR a mechanism of strategic value in reviewing and hopefully improving the situation of human rights defenders in States under review. As the Declaration on human rights defenders is not a legally binding instrument and does not have a reporting mechanism - unlike core international human rights instruments - the UPR can add to the protection of human rights defenders. 9. In view of its strategic value, the Special Rapporteur will pay particular attention to how this newly created mechanism evolves, with a view to making recommendations to contribute to improving its effectiveness in relation to the situation of human rights defenders. 10. In her future reports, the Special Rapporteur intends to share some good practices that might emerge in this area, in terms of: (a) consistent analysis of the situation of human rights defenders in UPR reports; (b) precise and measurable recommendations on human rights defenders; (c) consultations with and participation of civil society at the national level; (d) a proactive attitude of delegations in addressing human rights defenders; (e) implementation of UPR recommendations on human right defenders; and (f) other elements of analysis that might emerge. I. ACTIVITIES DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD A. Communications transmitted to Governments 11. Between 11 December 2007 and 10 December 2008, the Special Representative and the Special Rapporteur sent 493 communications. Communications were sent to 79 States, and at the time of writing, 48 of them had provided responses to one or more communications. All communications sent during the period covered by this report, as well as responses received between 11 February 2008 and 10 February 2009, will be included in addendum 1 to the present report. 1 A/HRC/7/28, para. 86. 2 A/HRC/7/28, paras. 86-88.