A/HRC/27/33 freedom of expression, and engage genuinely in the implementation of this right in their countries. 83. The Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression agreed that there was no question of creating special rights for civil society organizations, but rather ensuring that the rights to which everyone is entitled were afforded to civil society actors. He appreciated the comment that human rights were enjoyed by people of all ages. The Special Rapporteur saw no need for specific legislation or administrative measures for civil society organizations and how people associate because, in his view, these would limit legitimate, open and transparent activities for the defence of human rights. He agreed with the statements made that civil society actors should abide by the principles of the rule of law, transparency and accountability, but he recalled that the rule of law should apply equally to all, and that there was no need to create additional restrictions to those already outlined in national legislation compliant with international commitments. Responding to a question on the need for a specific national mechanism to protect human rights defenders and journalists, he noted good practices of effective, multi-stakeholder mechanisms established in several countries, and suggested that one concrete outcome of the panel discussion might be that States should establish such mechanisms. 84. Mr. Trifi underlined the fact that States elected to the Human Rights Council had a specific responsibility towards the protection of human rights, including the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association. Speaking from his civil society background, he highlighted the need for capacity-building and training on human rights for civil society organizations. He also emphasized the need for funding, in particular, national public funding, but also foreign funding, which should be legally regulated. He stressed the important early warning function of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, who could draw the Council’s attention to worrying developments so that timely action could be taken. 85. Ms. Pavey appreciated the discussion on the strengthening of trust between the State and civil society. She recalled that there was space for civil society to work through the various United Nations human rights mechanisms, including the treaty bodies and the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms. She stressed that civil society should feel free from fear to engage with United Nations mechanisms, and channel their issues and concerns so that they reach international forums. 86. The moderator thanked the participants for their rich contributions and regretted that, owing to time limitations, it was not possible for the panel to respond to the numerous questions addressed to it. She reflected on the discussion about resources for civil society, and stated that foreign funding was a part of international cooperation; what a State could legitimately do in order to promote and protect human rights should certainly be legitimate for civil society to benefit from. She expressed the hope that this dialogue could lead to more opportunities and forms of engagement through which Governments could overcome insecurities that led them to establish measures that restricted civil society space. She also hoped that civil society organizations could safeguard their independence and encourage their Governments to be more responsive to their voices. 87. The President of the Human Rights Council thanked the moderator, the panellists and the participants for their contributions to the panel discussion. 16