A/HRC/54/61 Iran (Islamic Republic of) 78. Multiple United Nations actors have noted the shrinking of civic space and continuing repression and violence targeting civil society since the start of the protests in September 2022.48 This context has amplified the risks for individuals and relatives to engage with the United Nations, leading to self-censorship. Victims and witnesses have reportedly declined to avail themselves of United Nations procedures but consented to anonymous public reporting. The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran has raised concerns about the risk of reprisals for engaging with the United Nations. 79. Annex II contains information on developments in the situation of Mr. Manouchehr Bakhtiari. 80. The Government responded to the note verbale sent in connection to the present report. Iraq 81. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq has documented an atmosphere of distress among many human rights defenders, some of whom have limited their collaboration with the United Nations due to fear of increased risks or threats by unidentified actors. Individuals targeted by such threats have engaged in self-censorship and reduced participation in discussions with, or reporting to, the United Nations, among others. 82. The Committee on Enforced Disappearances has expressed concern about numerous allegations of reprisals against those participating in the search and investigation process of the disappeared and recalled that no one engaging with the Committee should be subject to reprisals.49 Israel 83. Annex II contains information on developments in the case of the designation as “terror organizations” of the Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, Al-Haq, the Bisan Center for Research and Development, Defense for Children International-Palestine, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees and the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees, and the situation of Mr. Issa Amro. Libya 84. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya has documented incidents of reprisals against victims of human rights violations and human rights defenders, including women, for cooperation with the United Nations. Names and details have been withheld due to fear of further reprisals. The Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya reported that the climate of fear had hampered its engagements and that attacks on civil society had led its members to exercise self-censorship, hide or go into exile. 85. Annex II contains information on developments in relation to the impacts of the requirements imposed on civil society organizations regarding their ability to engage with the United Nations in the field of human rights. 48 49 12 A/HRC/52/67, para. 44; Human Rights Council resolution S-35/1; communications IRN 11/2022, IRN 14/2022, IRN 23/2022 and IRN 30/2022; https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements-andspeeches/2022/11/deteriorating-human-rights-situation-islamic-republic-iran; https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2022/10/iran-crackdown-peaceful-protests-death-jina-mahsaamini-needs-independent; and https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements-and-speeches/2022/10/iran-endkillings-and-detentions-children-immediately-un-child. CED/C/IRQ/VR/1(Recommendations), paras. 89, 96–97 and 100. See also A/HRC/42/28, CED/C/8 and https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2021/03/iraq-un-experts-appalled-killing-disappearedhuman-rights-defenders-father. GE.23-15378

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