A/HRC/7/28 page 27 defenders. Implementation is strengthened when it is acknowledged by review exercises that recognize experiences and initiatives to follow up on the work of the Special Representative as good practices. 98. In reviewing work on follow-up undertaken by the Special Representative, this report outlines elements of a methodology, which shows how quantitative and qualitative analysis can combine to provide a comprehensive picture of the work of the Special Representative based on data and their analysis and not on perceptions; proposes a matrix to undertake follow-up country visits; outlines a schematic list of indicators to assess the situation of human rights defenders; and underlines the role of stakeholders in following up on each component of the work of the Special Representative, be it communications, country visits or thematic reports. 99. A follow-up methodology is of use not only to the mandate-holder but also to all those committed to the implementation of the Declaration. The Special Representative encourages stakeholders, in their different roles and capacities, to use and further develop this methodology to facilitate the implementation of the Declaration. 100. In this respect, the Special Representative recalls the contribution and collaboration expected from stakeholders to follow up on the activities of the mandate and implement its recommendations. Communications Governments should respond to all the communications sent by the Special Representative. Replies should be timely and comprehensive in responding to the questions asked by the Special Representative. In addition to these minimum requirements, a good practice for replies is to provide information not only on the measures taken to redress the individual situation reported but also on the initiatives undertaken to prevent similar situations from happening again. In some cases, by reporting individual situations, communications point in fact to structural and systematic problems of which individual situations are a consequence. Governments should see the communications procedure as an opportunity to be alerted to situations that, if addressed properly and thoroughly, can improve not only the situation of individual defenders but the overall environment of human rights defenders, which is a fundamental indicator of the general situation of human rights in a country. Human rights defenders, and organizations and institutions that act as sources of communications, should provide follow-up information on cases submitted to the Special Representative in a more systematic manner. They should also look at replies sent by Governments and provide feedback on that basis. Sources on the ground are in a better position to assess the information provided in Governments’ replies. In order to improve the exchange of information between sources on the ground and the Special Representative, the role of international networks and organizations that act as interfaces between the mandate and sources on the ground is to be strengthened.