views, such as demonstrations to counter racism, xenophobia, intolerance or discrimination. 61. Authorities should engage effectively with organizers of assemblies in identifying protection needs and appropriate measures to address them. They should consult closely with organizers prior, during and after the event about security and public safety measures for the event, as well as the policing operation itself, with a view to ensuring that human rights defenders can exercise their right to freedom of assembly freely, without undue interference and in a safe environment. 62. Authorities should also support and facilitate initiatives by human rights defend- ers for the independent monitoring of and reporting on assemblies, as these measures can contribute to greater accountability and improve the protection of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly. Human rights defenders and their organizations play a crucial watchdog role in any democracy and must, therefore, be permitted to freely observe public assemblies. Similarly, independent coverage by the media can increase public accountability for both organizers of assemblies and law-enforcement officials. The ability of independent media to access and report on assemblies should, therefore, not be inhibited but, rather, protected and facilitated by the authorities. F. Freedom of association and the right to form, join and participate effectively in NGOs 63. Everyone should be able to freely exercise the right to form, join and participate in groups or associations for the defence of human rights without discrimination of any kind, including on the basis of the nature of the rights defended. Any limitations on the exercise of the right to freedom of association must have a clear legal basis and must fully comply with the strict requirements prescribed by international human rights standards. Any limitations imposed must be necessary in a democratic society in the interests of one of the specific grounds set out in international human rights standards. Any such limitations must be proportionate. 64. States should review all legislation relevant to the right to freedom of association and to form, join and participate effectively in NGOs in order to ensure its consistency, coherence and compliance with relevant international human rights standards. States should consult with civil society when discussing amendments to such laws, and are encouraged to seek international assistance in carrying out such legislative reviews. Guidelines on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders 13