A/HRC/54/61 arrest against her husband; she spoke via pre-recorded message at the UPR NGO pre-session on Algeria on 31 August (DZA 2/2023). 10. On 17 April 2023, the Government replied8 to mandate holders providing information of the dissolution of the LADDH. The Government noted that the Administrative Court of Algiers handed down its judgment on 29 June 2022 stating that the association had failed to comply with the obligations under articles 18 and 19 of the Associations Act and was operating in an irregular manner and engaged in unauthorized activities. The Government further noted that an appeal against the judgment may be lodged with the Administrative Court of Appeal, in accordance with Act No. 22-13 of 12 July 2022, as amended, and the Code of Civil and Administrative Procedure. According to information received by OHCHR, on 27 April 2023 LADDH members filed an appeal against the dissolution of the organization before the Algiers Administrative Tribunal. 11. On 23 March 2023, Mr. Chouicha participated via pre-recorded video statement in the UPR adoption of Algeria, noting that he was prevented from travelling to the UPR presession. In his reply, the Algerian Ambassador noted that Mr. Chouicha is awaiting trial and as such not permitted to travel without a prior authorisation that he did not request. 9 According to information received by OHCHR, Mr. Chouicha has not been notified of any restrictions to his movements outside the country, and on 23 February 2023 filed an appeal to the Council of State challenging such restriction. Since 2021, Mr. Chouicha and Ms Loukil are indicted and face criminal charges related to national security that could carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted (DZA 4/2021).10 3. Bangladesh 12. In August 2022, in the context of the visit to Bangladesh by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, OHCHR documented acts of surveillance and intimidation of some civil society representatives who met with the High Commissioner. The High Commissioner and her Office addressed the incidents with the authorities. Names and details of those concerned are withheld due to fear of further reprisals. 13. During the press conference upon the conclusion of her visit, the High Commissioner for Human Rights noted that “United Nations human rights reports have documented a narrowing civic space, increased surveillance, intimidation and reprisals often leading to selfcensorship. Laws and policies over-regulating NGOs and broadly restricting the freedom of expression make it difficult – and sometimes risky – for them to function effectively”.11 14. According to information received by OHCHR, Ms. Sanjida Islam Tulee and other members of Maayer Daak, a platform of families of disappeared persons, received threatening calls after the visit of the High Commissioner, visits by police officers and were placed under increased surveillance. Reportedly, Ms. Islam faced a smear campaign after she met with the High Commissioner and, similar to many other members of Maayer Daak, received visits by security agencies and was asked to sign a statement, which said that there had been no disappearance in her family.12 15. It was reported to OHCHR that, during the reporting period, civil society actors and human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders, were subjected to intimidation and reprisals by both state and non-state actors prior to or/and after their engagement with the United Nations, including human rights mechanisms and United Nations representatives. Some individuals reportedly received threatening calls and repeated visits by security agents. Others were physically monitored and followed and/or subjected to smearing, including online and/or by media outlets. Some declined consent for United 8 9 10 11 12 GE.23-15378 See government reply: https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMResultsBase/DownLoadFile?gId=37483. https://media.un.org/en/asset/k1j/k1j7skf05r. HRC/NONE/2021/SP/65 (ohchr.org) https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2022/08/un-high-commissioner-human-rights-michellebachelet-concludes-her-official-visit. On 22 December 2022, special procedure mandate holders addressed allegations of harassment and intimidation against Ms. Sanjida Tulee and the NGO Maayer Deek. (BGD 4/2022). 21