Recognizing the importance of bar associations and professional associations of judges and non-governmental organizations in the defence of the principles of the independence of judges and lawyers, Noting with concern the increasingly frequent attacks on the independence of judges, lawyers and court officials, Bearing in mind paragraph 6 of General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006, Recalling Council resolutions 5/1 on institution-building of the Human Rights Council and 5/2 on the code of conduct for special procedures mandate-holders of the Council, of 18 June 2007, and stressing that the mandate-holder shall discharge his or her duties in accordance with those resolutions and the annexes thereto, 1. Commends the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers for the important work undertaken in the discharge of his mandate; 2. Decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for a period of three years, and requests the Special Rapporteur: (a) To inquire into any substantial allegations transmitted to him or her and to report his or her conclusions and recommendations thereon; (b) To identify and record not only attacks on the independence of the judiciary, lawyers and court officials but also progress achieved in protecting and enhancing their independence, and make concrete recommendations, including the provision of advisory services or technical assistance when they are requested by the State concerned; (c) To identify ways and means to improve the judicial system, and make concrete recommendations thereon;