A/HRC/33/19 on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations in which he raised the case of the Dalit International Solidarity Network. He expressed concern about the working methods of the Committee and recommended that it commence a reform process, which should be guided by the principle that the United Nations functions best when it is accessible to the greatest diversity of voices possible (see A/HRC/33/32, OTH 16/2016). By letter of 23 May 2016, the Chair of the Committee expressed his appreciation for the concerns raised by the Special Rapporteur and his commitment to ensuring that the rules of procedure were applied in a manner that allowed the body to achieve the purposes for which it has been created. He indicated that the Special Rapporteur’s letter would be brought to the attention of all Committee members during its forthcoming session (ibid.). 14. On 30 May 2016, I publicly raised another case in relation to the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations, namely that of the Committee to Protect Journalists, and expressed my deep disappointment that Member States on the Committee had denied it consultative status. In that regard, I called on Member States to stop restricting NGO engagement.4 The next day, the High Commissioner echoed my concerns and stated that “we believe the decision not to allow this well-established NGO to take part in UN meetings, including those of the Human Rights Council here in Geneva, is unwise, unfair and arbitrary”, adding that the case was “emblematic of this unfortunate and very negative trend”.5 15. I would once again like to call on the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations to apply the criteria for assessing organizations in a fair and transparent manner, as they provide an indispensable contribution to the work and very purposes of the United Nations, in particular to the promotion and protection of human rights. IV. Information received on cases of intimidation or reprisal for cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights A. Methodological framework 16. The present report includes information on cases that was gathered from 1 June 2015 to 31 May 2016 and, in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 12/2, contains information on acts of intimidation or reprisal against those who: • Seek to cooperate, or have cooperated with, the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights, or who have provided testimony or information to them • Avail or have availed themselves of procedures established under the auspices of the United Nations for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and all those who have provided legal or other assistance to them for that purpose • Submit or have submitted communications under procedures established by human rights instruments, and all those who have provided legal or other assistance to them for that purpose 4 5 6 United Nations “Youth must assume greater responsibility in creating better world for all, says Secretary-General in remarks to DPI/NGO conference”, 30 May 2016. OHCHR, “Press briefing notes on flogging in Iran, unfair restrictions on NGO access to the UN and executions in Gaza”, 31 May 2016.