A/HRC/43/64 80. Mandate holders shared information on certain challenges they were facing, including lack of cooperation, as manifested by the lack of responses to communications and to requests for country visits, direct attacks against mandate holders and limited resources. Several States encouraged mandate holders to enhance their technical cooperation while others highlighted the limited resources of special procedures. In addition, reprisals and intimidation against those who collaborated with mandate holders were repeatedly condemned. 4. Civil society, non-governmental organizations and national human rights institutions 81. Representatives of civil society organizations expressed appreciation for the work of the special procedures, particularly their role as a bridge between the Human Rights Council and the work of human rights defenders on the ground. A number of representatives raised concerns about the current financial situation and reduced resources for mandate holders. Civil society members reiterated their support for special procedures and expressed concern about threats to the independence of the system. Furthermore, a number of substantive human rights issues were raised. 82. Representatives of civil society organizations welcomed the 2018 decision to publish communications after the confidentiality period and the correlated increased advocacy opportunities. They nonetheless called for greater feedback to be given to those who submitted information to special procedures. The increased steps taken by mandate holders to address reprisals were also welcomed. 83. Mandate holders thanked civil society for the continued support received in discharging their mandates and for their shared concern regarding diminishing resources. They reiterated their concerns regarding reprisals and their commitment to supporting civil society in this regard. Mandate holders also commented on the general pushback against human rights. Lastly, they underlined the key role played by national human rights institutions. 16