A/HRC/54/61 identify and refer those most at risk, with a focus on the risks faced by women human rights defenders. 26. One civil society organization noted that a good practice for the United Nations would be to establish a mechanism for rapid response in cases of serious reprisals and underlined the importance of close contact between field presences and civil society cooperating with the United Nations to identify, prevent and address any act or situation of reprisal. B. Elements of good practices and lessons learned by the United Nations 27. For the past five years, the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, as the senior official designated to lead the United Nations response to reprisals, has supported different entities and human rights mechanisms in their efforts to prevent and address reprisals. During this time, OHCHR has collected good practices and lessons learned. This engagement was undertaken in close cooperation with Member States, United Nations entities and the individuals and groups who cooperate or seek to cooperate with the system. 28. Good practices by United Nations entities to prevent and address intimidation and reprisals are guided by the principles of “do no harm” and a victim and survivor-oriented approach. That includes respect for confidentiality of information, the privacy of the victim, action based on informed consent and risk mitigation, and integrating a gender and youth perspective with an intersectional approach. 29. Existing good practices include a strong focus on prevention, based on a zero-tolerance approach to reprisals and clear messaging from the leadership of United Nations entities, and on awareness-raising with United Nations staff, Member States and the civil society interlocutors concerned. Some United Nations entities have nominated civil society or reprisal focal points, both at the level of the entity or mechanism and within their secretariats. Dedicated focal points have made a difference, especially when they have clear terms of reference and are known and accessible to their interlocutors. 30. Good practices in place include the adoption of reprisal-related protocols or guidance, some of which are confidential, with a public and accessible system to receive incident reports. Effective protocols include a clear allocation of responsibilities, a step-by-step process to document or verify allegations and activate a response based on a predictable toolbox. Such protocols allow room for flexibility and creativity to respond on a case-by-case basis, including through quick referral channels with trusted partners for urgent cases. IV. Ensuring access to the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights 31. Previous reports have addressed obstacles facing individuals and organizations who speak out in United Nations forums. 27 Reports of attempts by representatives of Member States to block or delay the accreditation of civil society representatives continued to be received during the reporting period. With the return to in-person modalities of participation, an increase in the number of incidents of intimidation and harassment on United Nations premises has been documented, in particular of Indigenous Peoples. Incidents included individuals photographed or recorded without their consent or government representatives addressing civil society representatives in an intimidating manner before, during or after their participation in United Nations forums. 32. Some United Nations peace operations 28 reported challenges and obstacles for individuals and communities seeking to access them, including wishing to share information and testimony. In its resolutions, the Security Council has continued to urge Member States and all parties to ensure full and unhindered access and free movement of peace operations, 27 28 6 See A/HRC/42/30, A/HRC/45/36, A/HRC/48/28, and A/HRC/51/47. The term peace operations in this context is used to refer to both peacekeeping operations and special political missions. GE.23-15378