A/HRC/42/30 88. Particularly evident is the misuse of the online space through hate speech, cyberbullying and smear campaigns against those who have pivotal roles in United Nations efforts. This includes representatives of civil society and national human rights institutions, public officials and members of political parties, and independent experts with United Nations mandates. Such individuals and groups should not be threatened for contributing to the work and principles of the United Nations. 89. I am particularly concerned at the body of evidence pointing to growing selfcensorship by victims and civil society actors who decide not to engage with the United Nations, both in the field and at Headquarters, out of fear for their safety or in contexts where human rights work is criminalized or publicly vilified. As in the past, a number of cases or names have not been included owing to security risks for the individuals or organizations involved, and underreporting remains a concern. 90. I am concerned at the continued trend in the use of national security arguments and counter-terrorism strategies by States as justification for blocking access to the United Nations. Reported cases include individuals or organizations being charged with terrorism, blamed for cooperation with foreign entities or accused of damaging the reputation or security of the State. These have also been used to justify restrictions on foreign funding. A disproportionate number of cases of enforced disappearance or detention, many which have been deemed arbitrary by United Nations experts, relate to these national security arguments. This is a worrisome trend that I have addressed publicly, including in my previous report, and, regrettably, it continues. 91. I have noted previously that women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons are exposed to gender- or sexual orientation-specific barriers, threats and violence in their engagement with the United Nations. Threats of rape, online smear campaigns, sexual assault in detention, and humiliating and degrading treatment have been reported. Unacceptably, those working on the rights of women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, including sexual and reproductive rights, seem to be particularly targeted. In our efforts to improve reporting and be more sensitive to allegations and the consequences of reprisals, we must examine, investigate and document intimidation and reprisals in a genderresponsive manner. 92. Member States have asked the United Nations how they may address this issue. Membership in the United Nations entails obligations and responsibilities, and States should live up to their commitments. I welcome explicit State pledges to reject intimidation and reprisals. States can put their commitments into practice through the Human Rights Council’s universal periodic review mechanism, which can be better utilized to its full potential. I would encourage States to further use this mechanism to address intimidation and reprisals. Beyond the universal periodic review, I support continued multilateral engagement, as well as bilateral dialogue and assistance to victims. Several good practices at the national and international level are highlighted in the present report. 93. The United Nations continues to strengthen its system-wide response, including through improved reporting on allegations and more thorough analysis of existing policy responses. More than ever, this issue should be a priority and a core responsibility of the Organization. I reiterate my call on all United Nations entities to be vigilant and engaged on this issue, to help follow up and seek resolution on the large body of cases and to engage further with States and partners to encourage examination and accountability. 94. As I stated in my previous report, these incidents are absolutely unacceptable. Our partners are indispensable, and we must all do more to protect and promote their fundamental right to engage with the United Nations. 17