A/HRC/27/38 2014 and during a panel discussion on the protection of civil society on 11 March 2014. At the latter event, the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights and I stressed the fact that civil society is an indispensable partner of the United Nations and indicated that civil society actors must be able to do their work freely, independently and safe from fear, retaliation or intimidation. In his concluding remarks at the end of the twenty-fifth session, the President of the Human Rights Council condemned reprisals and acts of intimidation, emphasizing that all measures must be taken to prevent such unacceptable acts.7 5. During the High-Level Event on Supporting Civil Society, on 23 September 2013, the Deputy Secretary-General, on my behalf, expressed concern at the growing pressures and restrictions facing civil society in many countries, including through the introduction of new legislation.8 I wish to reiterate the concerns raised in last year’s report that new laws and regulations have made the receipt of funds from abroad, including from the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture and the United Nations Voluntary Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, more difficult for some non-governmental organizations (NGOs).9 Such difficulties persisted in the period covered by the present report in at least four countries. In some cases, restrictive regulations may prevent civil society representatives accessing United Nations human rights mechanisms. 6. During the 2013 annual meeting of special procedures mandate holders, the Chair of its Coordination Committee reported that several special procedures had raised the subject of reprisals during their interactive dialogues with the Human Rights Council and that he had discussed the issue with several stakeholders, asking them to maintain a strong stance on reprisals.10 On 10 December 2013, in a joint statement, special procedures mandate holders expressed serious concern at acts of reprisal against anyone cooperating with them and stated that they were looking forward to the designation of the focal point on reprisals.11 The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders indicated in her latest report to the Council that during her tenure she had sent out approximately 50 communications on cases of reprisals.12 In November 2013, the Committee on Enforced Disappearances and the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances issued a joint statement making clear that they were vigilant with respect to any form of intimidation and reprisals and welcoming the decision of the Council to request the Secretary-General to designate a United Nations-wide senior focal point.13 7. On 16 December 2013, the Committee against Torture set out a procedure for reacting to alleged reprisals on the basis of article 13 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.14 At its fifth session, in November 2013, the Committee on Enforced Disappearances appointed a rapporteur on reprisals15 and issued a document on the relationship of the Committee with civil society actors, which refers to reprisals.16 8. The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations considers applications for consultative status with the Economic and Social Council. At its resumed session, in May 2014, the Committee had before it 343 applications for consultative status, including 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 4 Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) press release, 28 March 2014. United Nations press release, 23 September 2013 (SG/SM/15314). A/HRC/24/29, para. 12. A/HRC/24/55, para. 15. OHCHR press release, 10 December 2013. A/HRC/25/55, para. 42. A/69/56, annex VI. CAT/C/51/3. A/69/56, para. 10 (f). CED/C/3, paras. 25–26.