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as a result of filing or of considering or attempting to file a formal complaint to the
Subcommittee in the framework of the individual communications procedures of the human
rights treaty bodies, the committee concerned can request the relevant State party to adopt
protection measures for the individual or group concerned. Such measures can include
requests to refrain from any acts of intimidation or reprisals and to adopt all measures
necessary to protect those at risk. The State party may be requested to provide the
Subcommittee, within a specific deadline, with information on measures taken to comply
with the request.
Awareness-raising
18.
The Subcommittee will take initiatives that affirm the crucial importance of
cooperation with all stakeholders in addressing intimidation or reprisals. Such initiatives
may include making the protection of members of civil society and others a regular item on
the agenda of informal meetings with States parties, broadly disseminating the present
policy and adopting public statements, possibly jointly with other human rights
mechanisms.
III. Specific measures to be put into practice
Raising concerns confidentially with State party authorities
19.
When allegations of intimidation or reprisals are received, and with the consent of
the individual or group concerned when appropriate, the Subcommittee will, as appropriate,
contact the State party to request information, express its concern and request an
investigation and the immediate cessation of the intimidation or reprisals. The
Subcommittee may also interact with State authorities in a discreet manner, through
confidential correspondence or a meeting with a representative of the Permanent Mission of
the State party, or any other appropriate means.
20.
In the case of an imminent threat or danger of violence during a treaty body session,
the United Nations Department of Safety and Security should be approached to take
appropriate security measures.
21.
When engaging with States parties, the Subcommittee will take the measures
necessary to protect individuals and groups from intimidation or reprisals.
22.
The Subcommittee may, when appropriate, issue statements on specific incidents or
generalized practices of intimidation or reprisals and circulate them to international and
national media outlets, or make comments to the media and on social media.
23.
The Subcommittee may request the assistance of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights with a view to obtaining the cessation of alleged acts of
intimidation or reprisals.
24.
When allegations of intimidation or reprisals are received, in addition to the action
taken by the Subcommittee itself, the secretariat may inform individuals or groups making
such allegations that they may submit an urgent communication to the special procedure
mandate holders of the Human Rights Council, including the Special Rapporteur on the
situation of human rights defenders. The Subcommittee can also refer such allegations to
other mechanisms and procedures, including national preventive mechanisms, when
appropriate, in order to encourage an efficient, effective and coordinated response.
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