A/HRC/21/18 sixteenth session in February 2012, the Subcommittee established a working group on the issue of reprisals with a view to formulating a strategy to prevent and combat reprisals. II. Information received on cases of reprisals for cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights A. Methodological framework 12. In accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 12/2, the present report contains information regarding 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 this 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 this purpose • Are relatives of victims of human rights violations or of those who have provided legal or other assistance to victims 13. The present report contains information gathered from 15 June 2011 to 15 June 2012. The cases reflected in the report have been collected in accordance with United Nations principles for human rights monitoring, notably the principle of do no harm. Information has been corroborated through multiple sources and assessed for its reliability and consistency. Whenever possible, information has been received directly from primary sources. In cases where the victims of reprisals, whether individuals or organizations, have been in contact with the United Nations and mechanisms in the field of human rights, the relevant follow-up action taken, including communications sent and responses received, is reflected in the present report. 14. The cases described in the report do not represent the totality of acts of intimidation or reprisal against individuals or groups who seek to cooperate or have cooperated with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights. In certain instances, it was not possible to report on particular cases owing to security concerns or because the individuals exposed to reprisals had explicitly requested that their cases not be raised publicly. In some situations cases remain unreported owing to a lack of knowledge of the possibility of reporting cases of reprisals or lack of access to appropriate means of communication. 15. During the period under review, information was received about acts of intimidation or reprisal following cooperation with OHCHR, the Human Rights Council, special procedures, human rights treaty bodies, the universal periodic review mechanism and United Nations peace missions. 5