A/HRC/27/38 representatives. I remain deeply concerned about those acts, which range from threats, harassment, smear campaigns, fines, travel bans, the forced closure of organizations, arbitrary arrests, prosecution and lengthy prison sentences to torture and, sadly, death. 48. I reiterate my firm position that any act of intimidation or reprisal against individuals or groups, or anyone linked to them, for cooperating with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights is unacceptable and must be stopped. We must collectively denounce reprisals, defend the right to cooperate freely with the United Nations and protect those targeted. I recall my speech at the Human Rights Council panel on the protection of civil society space: “the space for civil society is a reflection of an entire society’s respect for human rights within its own borders and indeed around the globe”. 49. I welcome steps taken to address cases of reprisal in a coherent and systematic manner at the national, regional and international levels, including through the adoption of Human Rights Council resolution 24/24. In that resolution, the Council reaffirmed the right of everyone to unhindered access to, and communication with, international bodies, and requested that a United Nations-wide senior focal point on issues related to reprisals be designated to engage with all stakeholders and encourage a prompt, effective and unified response. I echo the High Commissioner’s statement at the opening of the twenty-fifth session of the Council and commend the fact that the Council adopted a forward-looking resolution on reprisals and ask for your support to ensure that it is followed through at the General Assembly. 50. It is primarily the obligation of States to protect those who cooperate with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights and to ensure that they may do so safely and without hindrance. I call on States to take action at the national level: (a) To prevent and refrain from all acts of intimidation or reprisal against individuals and groups who seek to cooperate, cooperate or have cooperated with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights; (b) To take all appropriate measures to prevent the occurrence of intimidation or reprisals, including, where necessary, by adopting and implementing specific legislation and policies, and by issuing appropriate guidance to national authorities in order to protect effectively those who seek to cooperate, cooperate or have cooperated with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights from any act of intimidation or reprisal; (c) To ensure accountability for any acts of intimidation or reprisal against those who seek to cooperate, cooperate or have cooperated with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights by ensuring impartial, prompt and thorough investigations of any alleged acts of intimidation or reprisal in order to bring the perpetrators to justice; provide access to effective remedies for victims in accordance with the international human rights obligations and commitments of States; and prevent any recurrence; (d) To consider the establishment of a national focal point to address acts of intimidation and reprisal against individuals and groups who seek to cooperate, cooperate or have cooperated with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights; (e) To provide information, as appropriate, to the Human Rights Council on all measures taken to prevent and address acts of intimidation or reprisal against those who seek to cooperate, cooperate or have cooperated with the United Nations, its 17