A/HRC/4/58 page 4 Introduction 1. In its resolution 2005/9, the Commission on Human Rights reiterated its concern at the continued reports of intimidation and reprisals against private individuals and groups who seek to cooperate with the United Nations and representatives of its human rights bodies. The Commission also expressed deep concern at the continued seriousness of such reported reprisals and that victims suffer violations of the most fundamental human rights, including the right to life, liberty and security of person, as well as the right to freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The Commission also expressed concern regarding reports of incidents where private individuals have 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. Pursuant to Human Rights Council decision 2/102, the Secretary-General was invited to submit at the fourth session of the Council an update to relevant reports, including to his previous report (E/CN.4/2006/30) submitted in accordance with Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/9 and containing a compilation and analysis of any available information, from all appropriate sources, on alleged reprisals against those referred to in the resolution. The present report is submitted in accordance with that decision. I. INFORMATION RECEIVED PURSUANT TO HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL DECISION 2/102 AND COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS RESOLUTION 2005/9, AND ACTION TAKEN BY REPRESENTATIVES OF HUMAN RIGHTS BODIES A. Methodological framework 3. In cases in which the victims of reprisals, whether individuals or organizations, have been in contact with one of the bodies or mechanisms of the Human Rights Council, protective action was taken by the representative in charge of the relevant mandate. Urgent communications or letters of allegation were addressed to the Government concerned. The replies received from two Governments to two of these communications have also been included in the present report. In this context, it is worth mentioning that the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders, established by the Commission in its resolution 2000/61 requests the Special Representative, inter alia, “to seek, receive, examine and respond to information on the situation and the rights of anyone, acting individually or in association with others, to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms”. 4. It should, however, be noted that in many instances it has not been possible to record in this report additional cases due to specific security concerns or because the individuals exposed to reprisals have explicitly requested that their cases not be raised publicly. It should also be noted that the information included in this report is also reflected in the reports presented by each mechanism to the General Assembly or the Human Rights Council.