A/HRC/24/29 unacceptable not only because they target individuals who help us do our work as mandated under the Charter of the United Nations, but also because they ultimately aim to discourage others from advocating for respect for human rights, and put them at risk. 51. I have also highlighted the need to ensure that persecution and intimidation are systematically condemned, and that legal action is taken by those responsible. Several recommendations addressed to various stakeholders, including States, the United Nations, human rights mechanisms, civil society and national human rights institutions were made at the end of the above-mentioned panel discussion. I hope that these recommendations, among others, will serve as a road map for action against reprisals. 52. It is primarily the obligation of States to protect those who cooperate with the United Nations in the field of human rights and to ensure that they may do so safely and without hindrance. In this context, I reiterate my previous recommendations for action at the national level, including through the adoption of appropriate legislation, by publicly condemning acts of reprisal and intimidation, ensuring accountability in relation to the majority of reported cases of reprisal, conducting effective and impartial investigations and bringing perpetrators to justice, and providing victims with remedies. I also encourage States to respond to allegations of intimidation and reprisal, and to cooperate with the United Nations regarding such acts. 53. The international community should act to address cases of reprisal in a coherent and systematic manner and use the various tools it has at its disposal. International and regional human rights mechanisms are crucial in this context, and I welcome their enhanced coordination. The panel discussion addressed some recommendations specifically for the United Nations Secretariat, such as: • To make information on how to submit allegations of reprisals more accessible • The creation of a central database on cases of reprisals • The appointment of a mediator or ombudsman to act as a focal point of the United Nations system for cases of intimidation and reprisal These should be thoroughly examined and considered. 54. I commend the Human Rights Council for adopting resolution 22/6, in which it took a strong stance in support of a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders. The resolution is instrumental in the response of the United Nations to reprisals. The idea that the Council hold a discussion dedicated to reprisals on an annual basis has received considerable support. I strongly encourage the Council to discuss the present report under its agenda item 5. This would allow for the continuation of dialogue that began during the panel discussion held at the twentyfirst session, and a further exchange of good practices, and give all stakeholders, in particular States, the opportunity to comment on the allegations contained in the report, including on actions taken to investigate and resolve the cases in question. I also call upon the Council to follow up on cases of reprisal, as proposed at the International Expert Conference on Advancing the Protection of Human Rights: Achievements, Challenges and Perspectives, held in Vienna on 27 and 28 June 2013.41 41 See www.ohchr.org/Documents/Events/OHCHR20/Vienna20_conf_report.pdf. 15