A/HRC/35/28 I. Introduction 1. This report is submitted to the Human Rights Council by the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 32/32. This is the final thematic report of former Special Rapporteur Maina Kiai, who took up his functions on 1 May 2011, and whose mandate was renewed for a second and final term on 1 May 2014, ending on 30 April 2017. This report is presented by current Special Rapporteur Annalisa Ciampi. 2. Although “civil society” is a term widely used by the Human Rights Council, its critical importance in the wider world is often understated. Civil society has been at the forefront of numerous landmark political and social changes over the last decade; changes that have improved societies and individual lives in diverse and meaningful ways. This report is aimed at drawing attention to the varied ways in which associational groupings have tangibly improved societies across the world and, in turn, advanced global peace, human development and respect for human rights. The report underscores the imperative of an enabling civic environment and the exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in achieving these aspirations. 3. To provide input to the report, the Special Rapporteur convened an expert consultation in Bangkok, on 29 and 30 November 2016, drawing together civil society experts from across the world and from distinct and representative spheres of civil society activity. He also sent a questionnaire to Member States, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders in December 2016. More than 50 replies were received. The Special Rapporteur is grateful to all who responded to his questionnaire, and particularly to those who engaged with their constituents, partner organizations and local communities so as to ensure the widest possible evidence base for this report. 4. As prescribed by the Council in its resolution 15/21, the Special Rapporteur also used other elements of work available within the Council to prepare the report. II. Activities of the Special Rapporteur A. Country visits 5. The Special Rapporteur visited the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 18 to 21 April 2016 (A/HRC/35/28/Add.1) and the United States of America (see A/HRC/35/28/Add.2) from 11 to 27 July 2016. He thanks both Governments for their cooperation before and during the visits. B. Communications 6. The Special Rapporteur sent a total of 183 communications to 68 States between 1 March 2016 and 28 February 2017. His observations on communications addressed to States and on the replies received are contained in an addendum to the present report (see A/HRC/35/28/Add.3). C. Participation in various events 7. The Special Rapporteur took part in many events, including: 1 (a) The World Economic Forum Regional Africa Meeting, Kigali (11-13 May 2016); 1 More information on the Special Rapporteur’s activities during the 2016 calendar year is available in his annual activity report, available at http://freeassembly.net/reports/2016-year-in-review/. 3