A/HRC/10/24 page 26 Annex III INTERNAL ADVISORY PROCEDURE TO REVIEW PRACTICES AND WORKING METHODS The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action underlined the importance of preserving and strengthening the system of special procedures and specified that the procedures and mechanisms should be enabled to harmonize and rationalize their work (part II, para. 95). The independence of special procedures mandate-holders is the cornerstone of their integrity and nothing should be allowed to undermine that independence. At the same time, however, mandate-holders agree to discharge their functions and regulate their conduct in a manner totally in keeping with the objective of promoting and protecting human rights. In the case of the special procedures, the assumption of self-regulation is both appropriate and essential as long as it does not prejudice the observations and the neutrality of the mandate-holders. The principle of self-regulation is crucial to the coherence and viability of a system premised upon independence. Mandate-holders should draw upon standards set out in the manual of special procedures on human rights, as updated to be in consonance with the code of conduct, as guidance in aligning their individual practices, conduct and methods of work with their ultimate responsibilities to safeguard the potential victims of human rights violations. This is the professional responsibility of each mandate-holder. To facilitate this process, to enhance the effectiveness and preserve the integrity of the system of special procedures, an internal advisory procedure has been established to provide a standing mechanism for continuous consideration of the practices and working methods of the special procedures. This procedure seeks to seize the earliest opportunity to take action when issues are raised regarding how mandate-holders have met agreed upon standards in the performance of their duties. The emphasis of the process is on issuing guidance notes on the appropriate interpretation of the manual to reflect an evaluation of actual practices and conduct. The procedure will also serve to record innovative methods and document best practices. The internal advisory procedure does not apply to the substantive assessments made by mandate-holders with regard to country situations or thematic issues. Matters of substance are within the sole purview of each mandate-holder, in accordance with their mandate, impartiality and the highest degree of integrity. When and what: When a matter is brought to the attention of the Coordination Committee that either (a) calls for an examination of the effectiveness or appropriateness of the methods of work as detailed in the manual; (b) calls for a consideration of whether specific acts or practices align with best practices as presented in the manual; or (c) could be considered a practice prejudicial to the integrity, independence, and impartiality of the system of special procedures or to the protection of human rights. Who: States Members of the United Nations, OHCHR, other mandate-holders and other relevant stakeholders.