A/HRC/10/24
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the rights over lands, territories and natural resources; the right to self-government and
autonomy; the right to free, prior and informed consent; and others. The Declaration specifically
provides that States shall promote respect for and full application of the provisions of the
Declaration and follow up its effectiveness.
67. There was agreement that the rights of indigenous peoples are a cross-cutting issue that
concerns all thematic and geographic mandates and that the work of all special procedures
mandates-holders is important for the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous
peoples. It was underlined that a number of recommendations of special procedures
mandate-holders addressed the concerns of indigenous peoples, although there was a need to
strengthen follow-up in the implementation of those recommendations. Participants shared their
experiences and good practices in this regard. Mandate-holders agreed that the effective
implementation of the Declaration constituted a major challenge ahead, and decided to
strengthen their efforts in that regard.
VIII. COOPERATION WITH HUMAN RIGHTS TREATY BODIES
68. Participants had an opportunity to meet with the chairpersons of treaty bodies and to
exchange views on questions relating to the follow-up to special procedures and treaty bodies
recommendations, including in the context of the universal periodic review. The meeting was
co-chaired with the Chairperson of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination,
Fatimata-Binta Victoire Dah.
69. Participants concurred that the universal periodic review complemented the work of the
treaty bodies and the special procedures. The chairpersons of the treaty bodies noted that they
would consider including universal periodic review recommendations in their country
examinations, including the pledges made by States during the review process, although that
would only constitute one of the sources for the identification of issues arising in the
examination of countries.
70. Representatives of both special procedures and treaty bodies agreed to raise the existing
level of mutual cooperation and coordination. The need to ensure greater interaction was
stressed, including through relevant mandate-holders addressing the treaty bodies directly on the
occasion of the review of reports of States. This was considered crucial, especially in cases
where there were no State reports. Ensuring exchange of information between treaty bodies and
special procedures was highlighted. In preparing general comments on the interpretation of
treaties which they monitor, human rights treaty bodies consult with the relevant special
procedures. It was decided that this practice should be continued.
71. The importance of building on each other’s recommendations was stressed by many
participants. One mandate-holder explained that he was able to engage in serious dialogues with
Governments by basing his country recommendations on treaty body observations and
recommendations. The Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights
while countering terrorism, Martin Scheinin, suggested that the Committee on Economic, Social
and Cultural Rights could consider preparing a general comment on the impact of
counter-terrorism measures on economic, social and cultural rights, and that, similarly, the
Committee on the Rights of the Child and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination
against Women could also consider special general comments on the impact of counter-terrorism
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