The present report reflects all urgent appeals and letters of allegation sent by special procedures mandate holders – including allegations relating to the arbitrary detention of human rights defenders – between 1 December 2011 and 15 March 2012 and replies received by 15 May 2012.  The report includes replies received between 1 February 2012 and 15 May 2012 relating to communications sent before 1 December 2011. Short summaries of allegations communicated to States or other entity are included in the report, as are the communications sent and responses received. The Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers and specifically; access to lawyers and legal services and the functioning of lawyers are reflected.