A/HRC/10/24 page 16 57. In relation to the institution-building process and the changes in working methods that it had incurred, the Deputy High Commissioner was of the view that the code of conduct, if universally, fairly and not selectively applied, was a tool for building greater trust with stakeholders and strengthening the system. Referring to the President’s statement on the terms of office of mandate-holders, which provides for an avenue through which cases of alleged persistent non-compliance could be examined, the Deputy High Commissioner advised mandate-holders to make themselves available, through the Committee, for the implementation of that new procedure. 58. The Deputy High Commissioner stated that another priority for the special procedures was their cooperation with the universal periodic review, as it offered a unique political forum to follow up their work. Special procedures could make strategic use of its outcomes. She stated that the special procedures could rest assured of the support and engagement of OHCHR. VII. INTEGRATING HUMAN RIGHTS APPROACHES AND MECHANISMS INTO THE WORK OF THE SPECIAL PROCEDURES A. Enhancing the integration of a gender perspective 59. Regarding the integration of a gender perspective in the work of special procedures, the Chairperson shared her experience and outlined the need to consider particular violations against women or specific contributions of women to the promotion of human rights. 60. The Coordinator of the OHCHR Women’s Rights and Gender Unit updated mandate-holders on efforts made in this area, particularly the jurisprudential analysis for improving States’ way to approach women’s rights. Major areas of concern included laws discriminating against women, sexual violence and socio-economic rights. Special procedures could take advantage of the international normative framework, including Security Council resolutions, to advocate for women’s rights. There were positive experiences in integrating gender issues in the work of the Special Rapporteur on torture and the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing. For example, the Special Rapporteur on torture devoted a thematic report to and organized a seminar on gender issues and torture. He was also preparing a joint visit with the Special Rapporteur on violence against women. Participants agreed that a holistic approach was needed while considering gender issues. B. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol thereto 61. Under this agenda item, participants were briefed by the Secretariat on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol thereto that were adopted on 13 December 2006 and entered into force on 3 May 2008. The Conference of States Parties will be convened by the end of 2008, at which States parties will elect the members of the new treaty body established under the Convention. OHCHR will serve as the Secretariat of the future committee. 62. Examples of cooperation between the Secretariat and the special procedures to mainstream the rights of persons with disabilities into mandate-holders’ activities were shared. For example,