A/HRC/15/56 Annex II Regional consultation for the Americas Summary of discussions Experts from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the United Nations (UN), representatives of Governments, national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from the region as well as staff from the OAS and OHCHR participated in the above-mentioned consultation. They underlined the need for an institutionalized cooperation between the Inter-American and the UN human rights systems. Such cooperation would entail regular exchanges between the two systems at various levels and greater opportunities for consultation, joint actions, country visits, as well as regular sharing of information and documentation. Participants recognized that it would be important for the OAS to designate a high-level focal point for this purpose and/or a Unit that could follow-up on the recommendations formulate by this meeting. Such cooperation, which could be formalized through a Memorandum of Intent or a Memorandum of Understanding, could start immediately and be gradually expanded, taking into account the proposals discussed during the meeting. 1. It is important that both systems develop internal coordination mechanisms in order to facilitate enhanced cooperation. 2. Subject to availability of resources, the two systems should hold thematic discussions on priority issues, such as the prevention of torture and the protection of human rights defenders. Further opportunities for cooperation at different levels (international, regional and national) should be considered and modalities of cooperation developed accordingly, taking into account the important role that NHRIs and NGOs could play in strengthening the national human rights protection systems. 3. Regarding jurisprudence, the Inter-American system has been regularly consulting the jurisprudence developed by the UN human rights system. A more formalized system of interaction is required. For instance, both systems could exchange and circulate an electronic biannual bulletin which could include the main decisions adopted during that period. Information and data can be made available through user-friendly web-links. 4. A main area of cooperation is the following-up on decisions and recommendations that are of mutual concern to both systems. Except for the hearing procedure of follow-up by the Inter-American Court, as a priority other follow-up mechanisms need to be improved. The international system recognizes that despite the existence of follow-up mechanisms, the implementation of recommendations and views remains a great challenge. It would be welcomed to develop possibilities for joint follow-up of decisions and recommendations resulting from both systems. 5. Both systems should meet periodically in order to discuss possible strategies of cooperation including specific objectives, timelines and expected outcomes. 6. Mechanisms of cooperation/collaboration in specific areas could be institutionalized or formalized through: • The strengthening of coordination and planning with respect to country visits of Special Rapporteurs, including consideration of the possibility to carry out joint visits and joint follow-up actions; 25