A/HRC/10/24
page 13
synergies in the work of the respective organizations. Participants, in particular new
mandate-holders, were encouraged to strategize their interaction in this field. Participants asked
for continued Secretariat support to develop and facilitate cooperation.
42. Participants shared their experiences, including an expert meeting organized at OAS
headquarters, to work on a draft inter-American convention against racism and all forms of
discrimination and intolerance. They also discussed developments in the Asia-Pacific region,
and it was suggested that cooperation with political and economic regional organizations and
United Nations offices be fostered in the absence of a full-fledged Asian human rights
mechanism. It was suggested their cooperation with regional organizations should be
strengthened to follow-up on reports and findings of special procedures mandate-holders.
43. A representative of the Council of Europe reiterated the Council’s satisfaction at the
ongoing cooperation with the United Nations on human rights, particularly regarding gender
equality, the fight against racism and xenophobia, minority rights and torture. She stated that the
Council planned to publish a yearbook on human rights with summaries of conclusions and
recommendations of European monitoring bodies. The document would provide information on
the situation of all 47 States members of the Council of Europe and would be a useful tool for
special procedures, also in the context of the universal periodic review. She noted that issues of
migration were of concern to the Council, which was considering the preparation of a new
convention on naturalization, particularly with a view to facilitating the naturalization of migrant
children.
E. Cooperation with the United Nations system: engagement
with United Nations country teams and United Nations
agencies, programmes and funds
44. The Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Vernor Muñoz Villalobos, introduced the
discussion on cooperation with the United Nations system, including United Nations country
teams, United Nations agencies, funds and programmes. He emphasized the importance of
country teams for special procedures’ country missions and the implementation of
recommendations.
45. In the ensuing discussion, participants shared their insights on good practices, how to
improve cooperation, and challenges during country missions. Participants made some
concrete proposals in order to enhance and capitalize on this cooperation. The Secretariat also
informed participants on the discussion held by the Policy Committee of the Secretary-General
on 20 May 2008, which reaffirmed the centrality of human rights in the development work of the
United Nations. The Policy Committee stressed the universality of human rights and the
important role of senior officials, including Resident Coordinators, in mainstreaming human
rights at the country level.
46. A representative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) described his positive experience with special procedures, particularly in relation to
the right to education, the fight against racism, minority rights, poverty reduction strategies and
migrant workers’ rights. He also reaffirmed the willingness of UNESCO to assist and cooperate
with special procedures.
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