A/HRC/32/20 United Nations General Assembly Distr.: General 11 April 2016 Original: English Human Rights Council Thirty-second session Agenda items 2 and 3 Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development Practical recommendations for the creation and maintenance of a safe and enabling environment for civil society, based on good practices and lessons learned Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Summary In its resolution 27/31, the Human Rights Council requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a compilation of practical recommendations for the creation and maintenance of a safe and enabling environment for civil society, based on good practices and lessons learned. In the present report the High Commissioner focuses on examples of practices that optimize civil society’s transformative potential. In this regard, he identifies five essential ingredients: a robust legal framework compliant with international standards that safeguards public freedoms and effective access to justice; a political environment conducive to civil society work; access to information; avenues for participation by civil society in decision-making processes; and long-term support and resources for civil society. GE.16-05866(E) *1605866*