The present report to the General Assembly is the second by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on human rights defenders, pursuant to Commission on Human Rights resolution 2000/61 of 26 April 2000 and General Assembly resolution 56/163. It contains an overview of the outcome of the regional consultations the Special Representative has attended since the beginning of her mandate. The Special Representative examines the recommendations made by the participants in each of the regional consultations. In addition, she draws upon her dialogue with Governments to formulate and recommend strategies for the better protection of human rights defenders and the implementation of the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (resolution 53/44, annex).