A/HRC/22/41 V. Concluding remarks 75. In his concluding remarks, the Chairperson-Rapporteur noted that the issues addressed during the course of the two sessions of the intergovernmental working group were difficult and complex. He noted that in spite of these complexities, the discussions have made clear that there is agreement on the common goal of protecting human rights in the context of PMSC activities, and ensuring accountability for abuses where these do occur. He recalled the mandate of the working group as reflected in Council resolution 15/26 and noted, however, that much of the work in regard to the issues addressed in the mandate still needed to be done. He reviewed the issues which had been addressed in by the working group in the course of its discussions and noted that consideration of these issues had benefited greatly, and should continue to be informed by, the input of experts. The Chair noted the important progress achieved during the second session and expressed his gratitude to delegations for their open and cooperative engagement. He highlighted the high degree of commitment demonstrated by all participants and noted that this had shown that, through joint efforts, participants had mobilized the political will necessary to collectively move towards the consensus position, as reflected in the conclusions and recommendations. The Chairperson-Rapporteur noted the importance of continuing to build confidence and to work together in a constructive and positive manner in order to achieve common objectives. VI. Conclusions and recommendations 76. The intergovernmental working group noted the positive discussions which took place on the basis of an agreed work plan. It identified existing gaps and/or areas of concern in relation to the promotion and protection of human rights regarding the activities of the PMSC industry, which led to a consensus that there is a need for further discussion in the open-ended intergovernmental working group. It also identified a range of existing and potential options for addressing these areas of concern at the domestic and international levels. 77. In view of the initial constructive and substantive discussions held during the first two sessions of the open-ended inter-governmental working group, and in light of the complexities of the issues, it recommends to the Human Rights Council the following: (a) Continuation of the substantive discussions in the intergovernmental working group with the participation of experts and all relevant stakeholders for a further two year period; (b) Consideration of the human rights aspects of, inter alia, the following: (i) Accountability and the provision of appropriate remedies for the victims; (ii) To distinguish between the activities of private security companies and private military companies, as well as other possible activities relevant to this issue; (iii) Review of all measures, including existing National legislation for registering, licensing and contracting PMSCs. (c) Consideration of the possibility of an international regulatory framework, including the option of elaborating a legally binding instrument on the regulation, monitoring and oversight of the activities of PMSCs, as well as other 17