A/HRC/40/3 provides a snapshot of the inspiring work of former fellows upon their return to their communities.6 87. OHCHR worked on human rights in the digital space by enhancing its engagement with digital and technology stakeholders to ensure that the international human rights framework serves as a reference for digital and technology companies and to leverage the benefits of technology for advancing human rights. It contributed to efforts to address the challenges faced by human rights defenders and other threats to civic space posed by new technologies by involving stakeholders in exchanges on the practical challenges facing technology companies that relate to their responsibilities under the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. 88. In Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia, OHCHR conducted workshops on the role of religious leaders, women and youth in the promotion of human rights in the Middle East and North Africa, in line with the Rabat Plan of Action on the prohibition of advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence and the Beirut Declaration and its 18 commitments on “Faith for Rights”.7 2. Electoral processes 89. In the context of electoral processes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar and Mali, OHCHR conducted human rights monitoring, advocated with the authorities, electoral bodies and the media, and built the capacity of national partners. In Uganda, it supported the national human rights institution in monitoring the first local council and municipal elections since 2001. In the Gambia, it organized a dialogue and training for women candidates for election. In the final stage of the presidential campaign in Colombia, based on OHCHR advocacy candidates signed a commitment to “respect, protect and guarantee human rights” and to protect human rights defenders and social leaders. 90. OHCHR drafted guidelines for States on the effective implementation of the right to participate in public affairs to increase public participation in electoral and non-electoral contexts, and at the international level (A/HRC/39/28). III. High Commissioner’s reflections for 2019 and conclusions 91. Seventy years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted, the foundations of the United Nations are being tested and multilateralism is under attack. Progress in any of the three pillars, human rights, peace and security and development, requires sustained leadership and well-coordinated, well-designed partnerships to further support human rights. Reaffirming universal norms and standards on the one hand and seeking tangible results and solutions on the other is the way forward. 92. In these tough times for human rights, the ultimate objective of OHCHR, together with its partners across the United Nations system, is to effect positive change and to make a real difference on the ground for people. Its mandate to support the United Nations human rights mechanisms, mainstream human rights in the other pillars of the United Nations (development, peace, security and humanitarian), and advance the core human rights principles of non-discrimination, accountability and participation offer the framework to make such a difference. 93. OHCHR needs to use its entire tool box of interventions to effect positive change. It must engage Governments and other key actors in society through constructive dialogue, diplomacy, advisory services, technical cooperation and mediation. Human rights advocacy is an essential tool to be carefully calibrated alongside the many other avenues that are available. 6 7 OHCHR, “Indigenous Fellowship Programme 1997–2017: 20 Years, 20 Stories” (2017). See www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/FreedomReligion/Pages/FaithForRights.aspx. 13