A/HRC/45/36 defenders and investigative journalists seeking to engage or engaging with the UN,” in particular those contributing to the 2018 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Cuba (see also Annex II). 20 In December 2019, the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights addressed patterns of intimidation and reprisals to the Government in writing. 34. According to information reported to OHCHR, Ms. Yamilka Abascal Sánchez, of youth rights’ network Mesa de Diálogo de la Juventud Cubana, was subject to interrogation and threats and her relatives were intimidated during and following her trip to Geneva where she engaged with the UN. Between 30 September and 3 October 2019, Ms. Abascal Sánchez had meetings with representatives of OHCHR, civil society and diplomatic missions and participated in a public event, which was broadcast live on social media. During her absence, State Security agents threatened members of her family. Prison authorities reportedly questioned Ms. Abascal Sánchez’s husband and the father of her children, detained in Pinar del Río, about her trip. Upon her return, on 4 October 2019, Ms. Abascal Sánchez was questioned at the Pinar del Río Immigration Office, was cautioned about continuing her activities, and informed that she was temporarily banned from leaving the country or “regulated.” 35. On 19 August 2020, the Government responded to the note verbale in connection to the present report, stating that the allegations are not only unfounded but are based on fabricated testimonies with motivations outside the cause of human rights. The Government rejects the repeated attempts to portray anti-social individuals who have been punished for committing common crimes as human rights defenders when they act with funding from a foreign power seeking a regime change in the country. The Government stated that there are no restrictions or prohibitions on departure from the country for Ms. Abascal Sánchez and, on the contrary, the immigration records show trips abroad including to participate in international events and meetings. The Government stated that allegations of harassment after her return to Cuba from Spain in October 2019 are false, as are the allegations of threats to her relatives during her absence. The Government further expressed its strongest rejection of the use of UN human rights mechanisms to channel false allegations with the only aim of tarnishing the reality and subverting the political project that has democratically been adopted by the vast majority of the Cuban people. 12. Democratic Republic of the Congo 36. During the reporting period, the Joint Human Rights Office of the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) documented at least 18 cases of intimidation and reprisals for cooperation with the UN, involving at least 27 individuals, including three women. Incidents were mainly documented in the conflict-affected areas of the Eastern part of the country. Names or more details of individuals affected cannot be put forward for fears of further reprisals. 37. Individuals targeted were mostly human rights defenders, but also included journalists and a traditional leader who provided information to MONUSCO on human rights concerns and threats to civilians. Some individuals reported human rights violations by armed groups, police and military forces, including conflict-related sexual violence. Alleged perpetrators include judicial police officers, judicial inspectors, administrators, members of the intelligence services (ANR), military personnel (FARDC) and the national police (PNC), as well as armed groups. 38. Four journalists who engaged in community sensitization activities in collaboration with MONUSCO, the United Nations Children’s Fund, World Health Organization, and the Ebola Emergency Response Team in Biakato, Ituri province, reportedly received repeated death threats and their family members were harassed by an armed group. The four journalists were forced to relocate. Another journalist and the director of a community radio station were killed by an armed group. Nine human rights defenders in the Masisi territory 20 26 Statement by the Netherlands on behalf of Belgium, Netherlands and Luxemburg, 41st session of the Human Rights Council, General Debate, item 5 (3 July 2019), http://webtv.un.org/search/item5general-debate-23rd-meeting-41st-regular-session-human-rightscouncil/6055385648001/?term=&lan=english&cat=Regular%2041st%20session&sort=date&page=7# player.