A/HRC/14/19 I. Introduction 1. In its resolution 12/2, the Human Rights Council expressed its concern at the continued reports of intimidation and reprisals against individuals and groups who seek to cooperate or have cooperated with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights. The Council condemned all acts of intimidation and reprisals by Governments and non-State actors against these individuals and groups. The Council also expressed deep concern (a) at the seriousness of such reported reprisals and the fact that victims suffer violations of their human rights, including the rights to life, liberty and security of person, as well as the right to freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and (b) at reports of incidents in which individuals have been hampered in their efforts to avail themselves of procedures established under United Nations auspices for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. 2. In the same resolution, the Human Rights Council invited the Secretary-General to submit a report to it on alleged reprisals for cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights, in particular with regard to those persons referred to in paragraph 1 of the resolution. 3. The cooperation of individuals and groups with the United Nations in the field of human rights in a free and safe manner is key to ensuring an efficient and results-oriented approach to the promotion and protection of human rights. The importance of this cooperation has been affirmed in several documents. 4. In the 2005 World Summit Outcome,1 Heads of State and Government reaffirmed the importance of civil society in the work of the United Nations. In particular, they welcomed the positive contributions of the private sector and civil society, including nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), in the promotion and implementation of development and human rights programmes and stressed the importance of their continued engagement with Governments, the United Nations and other international organizations in those key areas (para. 172). 5. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 60/251 establishing the Human Rights Council, the Council is mandated to work in close cooperation in the field of human rights with Governments, regional organizations, national human rights institutions and civil society. 6. In several resolutions of the Human Rights Council establishing or renewing the mandate of special procedures, the importance of special procedures working with individuals from civil society and receiving information from all credible sources, including victims of violations, has been highlighted. The ability of victims, their family members, witnesses, human rights defenders and members of civil society to raise concerns with the mandate holders of the special procedures of the Council without fear of retaliation is vital to the ability of mandate holders to discharge their respective mandates. The terms of reference for fact-finding missions by Special Rapporteurs/representatives of the Commission on Human Rights (E/CN.4/1998/45, appendix V), as assumed by the mandate holders of the Human Rights Council, therefore stipulate that special procedures should be given assurance by Governments that “no persons, official or private individuals who have been in contact with the special rapporteur/representative in relation to the mandate will for this reason suffer threats, harassment or punishment or be subjected to judicial proceedings”. 1 4 General Assembly resolution 60/1. GE.10-13228