A/HRC/14/19
The introduction illustrates the importance of cooperation with the United Nations,
its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights by citing a number of key
United Nations documents in this regard.
Chapter II of the report contains information gathered during the period under
review, including concerning communications sent to States by representatives of various
human rights mechanisms. The replies of States to such communications received by 19
March 2010 have also been included. In this chapter the Secretary-General provides an
account of situations in which persons have reportedly been intimidated or suffered
reprisals for having cooperated with the United Nations, its representatives and
mechanisms in the field of human rights; for having availed themselves of international
procedures; for having provided legal assistance for this purpose; and/or as relatives of
victims of human rights violations. It should be noted that, in some instances, it has not
been possible to record in this report additional cases due to specific security concerns or
because the individuals exposed to reprisals have explicitly requested that their cases not be
raised publicly.
Chapter III provides concluding remarks. The report underlines the continued
gravity of intimidation and reprisals as victims suffer violations of many human rights. The
seriousness of reported acts of reprisal reinforces the need for the United Nations, its
representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights in cooperation with States to
continue to take urgent steps to help prevent such acts and ensure that they are not treated
with impunity. It is imperative that all acts of intimidation and reprisals are promptly and
effectively prosecuted and addressed in an appropriate manner. Perpetrators should be
brought to justice and victims provided with appropriate remedies in order to combat
impunity. Denouncing such acts publicly and reporting them to the appropriate human
rights mechanisms will also contribute to combating related impunity.
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