A/HRC/27/33 Organizations creating obstacles to civil society consultations at the United Nations. A State delegation suggested that rules and proceedings that govern the participation of civil society in the United Nations should be updated so that they could tackle the challenges posed by the participation of indigenous peoples in international forums. 77. Participants recommended that the Human Rights Council, through its special procedures mechanisms, should develop and adopt guiding principles on creating a safe and enabling environment for civil society. 78. A suggestion was made that the Human Rights Committee prioritize the development of general comments on articles 21 (the right of peaceful assembly) and 22 (the right to freedom of association) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 79. States were encouraged to take advantage of the technical assistance available through the Office of the High Commissioner and other relevant international and regional institutions. IV. Comments and responses by panellists and the moderator 80. Several delegations directed a number of questions to the panellists. Some were interested to learn more about good practices and recommendations on how States could ensure meaningful engagement and dialogue with civil society, improve the capacity of civil society to engage with government institutions, and support the checks-and-balances role of civil society. Delegations asked what more could be done at the local, national, regional, international and multilateral levels to provide space for civil society, improve States’ engagement with civil society and raise awareness and support for the work of civil society, including those persons who did not join an organization, such as children or people living in extreme poverty. A question was asked about what the international community should do when national legislation contradicted international obligations. 81. Panellists were asked to provide examples of good practices in legislation or mechanisms at the national level to combat impunity regarding threats or attacks against human rights defenders. A question was asked about whether general legislation on freedom of expression was sufficient or whether special legislation to protect human rights defenders should be adopted by States. A delegation was interested to learn about concrete measures that could be taken by the international community to combat the climate of intimidation and censorship against journalists and media workers. Panellists were asked to address the relationship between a vibrant civil society and social stability. Some States were interested to learn about early warning signs regarding policies to narrow the space for civil society, and how the international community could contribute to counteract attempts aimed at limiting space for civil society. Participants were interested to know how nongovernmental could increase their capacity to protect themselves. A question was asked about how States could support an early warning function of civil society in raising awareness of human rights violations. Another question was asked about whether nongovernmental organizations participating in the sessions of the Human Rights Council needed a stronger legislative basis. The views of panellists were sought on the responsibility of the Council to act upon reprisals against defenders who engaged or attempted to engage with the Council or other United Nations organs and mechanisms. 82. Ms. Khan acknowledged the challenges in building societies that are fair, inclusive, just and open for all. In her opinion, freedom of expression was the cornerstone of a healthy, independent, open, pluralistic and inclusive civil society. She encouraged States to build on their statements made during the panel discussion on the importance of the right to 15