A/HRC/60/62 establishing parameters for the special protection of human rights defenders and recognizing their engagement at the national or international level. Another referred to legislation and government efforts to protect journalists and to the establishment of mechanisms that ensure transparency. Another Member State highlighted its decision to establish a body tasked with creating an enabling environment for civil society, composed of 20 members, 11 of whom were civil society representatives. 16. In the area of prevention, a group of Member States highlighted their practice of promoting positive narratives about civil society actors, including a joint statement to the Human Rights Council on behalf of a cross-regional group of 71 countries, elaborating on the positive impact of human rights defenders. Another Member State highlighted the recognition of human rights defenders through the granting of awards and referenced a civil society-led initiative that honoured 75 defenders for their human rights work. 17. In the context of the election of the members of the Human Rights Council for the 2025–2027 term, two States voluntarily pledged support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the United Nations space for civil society participation and protecting against reprisals, 19 while another committed to continue sponsoring the resolution on reprisals.20 Several States also pledged support for initiatives aimed at strengthening civil society participation in the Council’s work.21 18. During the reporting period, the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples addressed allegations of intimidation and reprisals for participation in the Mechanism. In its annual report to the Human Rights Council, the Expert Mechanism urged the Council to call upon States to behave with respect towards all participants and to condemn acts of intimidation or reprisals against Indigenous human rights defenders and leaders for their participation in or collaboration with the United Nations, including transnational reprisals. Furthermore, it requested the Council to urge the host countries of the United Nations or of United Nations events to ensure that all Indigenous individuals who sought to participate in United Nations meetings were granted visas without discrimination or delay.22 19. At its thirteenth session, the Forum on Business and Human Rights strengthened its response to reprisals with a focus on prevention. The Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises and OHCHR issued an information note on the zero-tolerance policy and reporting procedures.23 During the opening and closing ceremonies, the Chair and Vice-Chairs highlighted the importance of safe, meaningful and inclusive participation. 24 OHCHR also implemented risk mitigation measures with regard to some participants at risk, designated focal points within the Working Group and OHCHR secretariat and set up a system to address, document and report on allegations, in coordination with OHCHR country and regional offices. The Working Group shared good practices and lessons learned with United Nations entities to inform efforts in other United Nations regional business and human rights forums. 20. The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs offered advice on communication and protection considerations for over 150 participants in the second dialogue on peacebuilding between civil society organizations and the United Nations, held in December 2024 in New York, with the aim of preventing intimidation or reprisals for cooperation with the United Nations. 21. On 5 November 2024, the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights addressed the incoming members of the Security Council as part of the annual induction workshop for new elected members organized by the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. The session addressed the framework for civil society participation in Security Council 19 See A/79/90 and A/79/116. See A/79/74. 21 See A/79/67, A/79/86, A/79/90 and A/79/116. 22 A/HRC/57/64, paras. 38 and 39. 23 See https://indico.un.org/event/1005651/attachments/17079/56165/Practical%20information%20EN.pdf. 24 See https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1g/k1g47ip0y3 (14:15); and https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1q/k1qkxsc95f (1:10). 20 5