A/HRC/27/33 C. Experiences, lessons learned and good practices with regard to space for civil society 52. Many delegations welcomed the opportunity to exchange lessons learned, practices and experiences in providing space for civil society. Some noted that it was not possible to develop policies, programmes or national strategies in the absence of dialogue with civil society because it was inseparable from the democratic processes. 53. Some States applauded the tremendous dynamism of civil society actors, including women who faced grave personal risks. Examples were provided of the role of women’s rights activists in several countries in pursuing fair representation in political processes. 54. Some States appreciated the greater number of national civil society organizations established in their countries over a period of time. 55. Several States provided examples of the participation of civil society actors in the development of national policies on human rights, including national plans of action and legislation, as well as in contributions to State reports submitted to United Nations human rights mechanisms, such as the treaty bodies and the universal periodic review. 56. Many States had established mechanisms for institutionalized national dialogue and consultations with civil society. Through a coordination and information-sharing platform on human rights policies, these mechanisms brought together various stakeholders on a regular basis, and provided space for civil society actors to engage in public policy decisions in advancing the human rights agenda. Such institutional mechanisms helped strengthen a dialogue between government officials and civil society experts. 57. Some States reported on the establishment of mechanisms and subsidies for funding non-governmental organizations in their countries. 58. An example was provided of civil society serving as an indispensable partner in providing specific assistance to affected populations that the national government response could not tackle alone in the aftermath of a natural disaster. 59. As witnessed by UNAIDS, civil society organizations provided services to marginalized communities; for example, to persons living with and vulnerable to HIV. It was noted that civil society was essential to shape the political, financial, social and legal response to HIV around the world. In three meetings of the General Assembly on AIDS, all States had committed to secure the vital role of civil society in the AIDS response, and to provide an enabling social and legal environment. These commitments were, however, yet to be implemented by many States. 60. Examples were provided by non-governmental organizations working on the rights of the child on the involvement of children in the civic space through the establishment of mechanisms for children to engage in policymaking processes and other activities, such as monitoring service delivery to children. 61. One State delegation spoke about its experience in developing national policies and mechanisms for the protection human rights defenders, in partnership with OHCHR. 62. Some States had increased their efforts to promote civil society space in their international policy agenda and activities. Such efforts were commended by a number of non-governmental organizations. International reactions to restrictions on civil society space included diplomatic pressure, efforts to strengthen the international normative framework of the right to freedom of association and the creation of innovative forms of engagement, such as the European Endowment for Democracy. 12