A/HRC/25/55 Rapporteur has raised cases of reprisals against defenders who have collaborated with the United Nations, including the UPR, and has publicly condemned such acts.3 117. Since 2008, of 56 cases of reprisals dealt with by the Secretary-General in his reports, 46 cases regarded human rights defenders (82 per cent). Of these 46 cases, 40 involved the State or security forces (87 per cent). In 26 cases, intimidation, harassment and threats, including death threats (57 per cent), were the main tools used to target defenders. In 11 cases, defenders were detained (24 per cent); in seven cases (15 per cent), they were tortured; in one instance two defenders were killed. In seven cases, defenders were defamed (15 per cent); and in three cases, defenders had a travel ban imposed (7 per cent). Ten reprisals cases concerned defenders working with or on the UPR process (22 per cent). Furthermore, nine reprisals cases concerned defenders who had collaborated with the Council and special procedures (20 per cent). The Special Rapporteur has also reported about specific situations where she had been informed that defenders were afraid of reprisals if she raised their cases with the authorities (see, for example, A/HRC/22/47/Add.4, para. 382). 118. At least one communication was sent on 38 of the cases (83 per cent), and responses were received in 25 instances (65 per cent). However, in nine instances (36 per cent), the responses could be considered as unsubstantial, for instance by only receipt of a communication was acknowledged or there was no reference to the main allegations. 119. The right to access and communicate with international bodies is enshrined in the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and other international instruments.4 The Special Rapporteur welcomes the strong stance taken by States at the Council on this issue, and supports resolution 24/24 on cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights. She welcomes the call addressed to the SecretaryGeneral in cooperation with the High Commissioner to designate a system-wide senior focal point for reprisals against those who engage with the United Nations in the field of human rights. She trusts that this would reinforce the system in continuing to react firmly against these acts and would contribute to consolidating a safe and enabling environment for defenders. H. Strong, dynamic and diverse community of human rights defenders 120. The Special Rapporteur acknowledges that defenders themselves have a role to play in contributing to a safe and enabling environment. They are responsible for doing their work professionally, in a peaceful manner and with due respect for international human rights principles and standards. 121. Under the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, those who work for the promotion and protection of human rights are key players in society and have duties towards and within their communities. Indeed, defenders have an important role to play and an essential responsibility in safeguarding democracy, ensuring that it remains open and pluralistic, promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms and contributing to the promotion and advancement of democratic societies, institutions and processes (art. 18). However, defenders can only do this if they are able to work in safe and enabling environment where they are recognized and empowered by the State, institutions and other stakeholders. 3 4 The latest include: www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=13860&LangID=E and www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=13626&LangID=E. See Commentary to the Declaration, chap. IV. 19