A/HRC/34/3 3. Universal periodic review 16. All 39 States scheduled for consideration under the universal periodic review in 2016 participated actively in the process, with interactive dialogues focusing on progress made since the previous cycle. In addition to preparing related documentation, OHCHR continued to support States scheduled for review, with the Voluntary Fund for Participation in the Universal Periodic Review facilitating the participation of 32 delegates during the year. Through its country and regional presences, OHCHR also worked with national partners to strengthen participation in the process and follow-up in Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu. 17. Pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 30/25, an intersessional panel on international cooperation and national human rights follow-up systems was held during the twenty-sixth session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, complemented by “knowledge cafés” organized by OHCHR for States to share national practices and experiences. 18. The third universal periodic review cycle, which begins in May 2017, will necessarily focus on strengthening national capacities to implement previous recommendations. In this context, increased support for the Voluntary Fund for Financial and Technical Assistance in the Implementation of the Universal Periodic Review is needed to respond to an increasing number of requests by States for assistance. 4. Special procedures 19. The Human Rights Council created two new thematic special procedure mandates in 2016, for a Special Rapporteur on the right to development (resolution 33/14) and for an Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (resolution 32/2), bringing the total number of mandates assisted by OHCHR to 57 (43 thematic and 14 country-specific). OHCHR continued to support mandate holders in their various mandated activities, including 93 country visits to 61 States and territories; 538 communications to 122 States and non-State actors (of which 465 were joint communications), covering at least 6,170 individuals, including 1,183 women; 134 reports to the Human Rights Council and 38 to the General Assembly; and 462 public statements. Supported by OHCHR, the Coordination Committee of Special Procedures and individual mandate holders participated in the work of the Council, including in special sessions. 20. The number of standing invitations extended by States (including one observer State) to the thematic special procedures increased to 118. While pleased with the steady increase in standing invitations, the High Commissioner emphasizes the need to honour this commitment in practice. 21. In order to increase accessibility of the human rights mechanisms, OHCHR launched an online form for submitting information to the special procedures on alleged human rights violations as well as on relevant legislation, policy and practices. 5. Comprehensive follow-up to the work of the human rights mechanisms 22. As noted above, in 2016 OHCHR launched a practical guide and an accompanying study on the engagement of States with international human rights mechanisms. 23. OHCHR supported the establishment of national coordination mechanisms for reporting and follow-up in 26 countries. Technical assistance to create national data platforms linking recommendations from international human rights mechanisms to national implementation plans was provided to the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Honduras, 5