A/HRC/27/33 that the domestic legal framework should ensure that the right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association fully respected the rights of others and guaranteed the independence, accountability and transparency of civil society. The need to ensure that the legal framework was conducive to the establishment of children’s organizations was also stressed. 70. Some participants emphasized that improved and inclusive consultation processes, as well as coordination with and partnerships between civil society actors and State institutions would facilitate the enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights and better serve the interests of society. States were urged to take appropriate measures to ensure that every member of civil society had an effective right and opportunity to participate in political and public affairs, as highlighted by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 24/8 on equal political participation. States were encouraged to engage in meaningful participatory processes in legislating and policymaking, and to consult with civil society at the outset of policy development. They were encouraged to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which included obligations relating to participation. It was recommended that sufficient, respectful, safe, regular and meaningful interaction between Government and civil society should be established at all phases of policymaking and implementation. Efforts to increase the representation of women with disabilities should be supported. It was also suggested that Governments should create an enabling environment for children to participate as equal actors in civil society, including through access to timely and child-friendly public information. 71. A recommendation was made that States should establish national mechanisms for the protection of human rights defenders and journalists. 72. Recognizing the important role played by development in the full realization and enjoyment of human rights, some delegations suggested that States needed to encourage civil society groups to increase their engagement in and contribution to the implementation of a national development agenda and other regional and international development goals, as well as combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization, incitement to violence and violence against persons based on religion or belief. 73. It was suggested that civil society actors should use their space responsibly and be guided by the principles of democracy, good governance, transparency, credibility and accountability. Such an approach would increase public and government confidence in civil society, and would help States to better protect civil society, facilitate its work and establish partnerships. In addition, it was noted that non-governmental organizations should use their charitable and tax-exempt status responsibly. 74. States were called upon to refrain from and ensure adequate protection from any act of intimidation or reprisal against civil society actors, and to fulfil their duty to end impunity for any such acts by bringing perpetrators to justice and by providing an effective remedy for victims. The Human Rights Council and the United Nations as a whole were urged to lead by example in protecting civil society space and to ensure a stronger, practical response to reprisals. 75. Recalling resolution 1996/31 of the Economic and Social Council, which governs the relationship of the Human Rights Council with civil society, some delegations proposed that the efforts of the Council and the international community should be directed at assisting national authorities to strengthen their mechanisms of partnership with civil society, and that they find new ways to support civil society engagement by sharing best practices. 76. In a joint statement, several non-governmental organizations expressed concerns about the Committee of the Economic and Social Council on Non-Governmental 14