A/HRC/18/19 I. Introduction 1. In its resolution 12/2, the Human Rights Council reiterated its concern at the continued reports of intimidation and reprisals against individuals and groups who seek to cooperate or have cooperated with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights. The Council condemned all acts of intimidation and reprisals by Governments and non-State actors against these individuals and groups. The Council also expressed deep concern at the seriousness of such reported reprisals and the fact that victims suffer violations of their human rights, including the rights to life, to liberty and to security of person, as well as the right to freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The Council also expressed deep concern regarding reports of incidents in which individuals had been hampered in their efforts to avail themselves of procedures established under United Nations auspices for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. 2. In resolution 12/2, the Human Rights Council invited the Secretary-General to submit a report to the Council on alleged reprisals for cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights. 3. The issue of reprisals for cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights received greater attention during the period under review. 4. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) takes this issue very seriously, as demonstrated by several interventions made by the High Commissioner and the Deputy High Commissioner. The High Commissioner has many times highlighted the threats and violence faced by human rights defenders and civil society activists. For example, during the fifteenth session of the Human Rights Council, in her statement made under item 2, the High Commissioner highlighted the threats and violence faced by human rights defenders and civil society activists. 5. Civil society has continuously raised attention to this phenomenon and to the need to address it with determination, including through the holding of side events, oral interventions in the context of the Human Rights Council and public statements. In addition, civil society has developed protection schemes for persons at risk of reprisals. 6. In certain resolutions on mandates of special procedures, the Human Rights Council makes specific reference to the issue of reprisals, such as the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention1 and the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.2 The issue has also been raised in various interactive dialogues with special procedures mandate holders, such as with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances. 7. The outcome of the review of the Human Rights Council contains a strong rejection of any acts of intimidation or reprisal against individuals and groups who cooperate or have cooperated with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights, and urges States to prevent and ensure adequate protection against such acts.3 In addition, some Member States have raised this issue in the context of the universal periodic review. 1 Human Rights Council resolution 15/18, para. 8. Human Rights Council resolution 16/23, para. 6 (c). 3 Human Rights Council resolution 16/21, para. 30. 2 3