A/HRC/7/31 page 10 11. Switzerland [Original: French] [28 November 2007] (a) In its response, the Government of Switzerland stressed that in the conduct of its foreign policy, it has always promoted dialogue and cooperation over confrontation. The establishment of the Human Rights Council and the adoption of new procedures offer Member States the opportunity to promote cooperation in the field of human rights in a spirit of dialogue and solidarity. When raising a particular issue during a Council session, States should seek to improve the fate of victims of human rights violations, and not aim at condemning a particular State. It is by engaging in dialogue with the authorities of a country that these can be made more responsive to their human rights obligations. (b) Switzerland considers that the universal periodic review constitutes an instrument of choice for the promotion of international cooperation in the field of human rights. The mechanism, which is to be applied to all United Nations Member States, should permit each State to take stock, in a transparent manner, of progress made and difficulties encountered regarding the implementation of their international obligations. The review should be conducted in a constructive spirit, including by exchanging best practice, in order to benefit both the international community in its entirety, as well as particular individuals. The universal periodic review should allow for identification of the national priorities of each State in the field of human rights. Where support by other States proves to be necessary, it could be provided through technical assistance programmes, the content and implementation of which would be elaborated by the country concerned in cooperation with its partners. Responses from human rights organizations 12. Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions [Original: English] [6 December 2007] (a) In its response, the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) stressed that national human rights institutions are in a unique position to inform their States on the scope and implementation of their international human rights obligations, and to provide independent expertise to their States, agencies of government, and generally to the community through their human rights education programmes. National human rights institutions also maintain a consultative relationship with civil society. (b) APF welcomed the further formalization of mechanisms for the participation of national institutions in the United Nations human rights machinery, in particular in the framework of the Human Rights Council. The organization underlined that national institutions may comment on a particular issue within their jurisdiction, or may consult at the regional level, either on an ad hoc basis or through the regional coordinating body in place, to identify trends and common issues which could be reflected in a joint statement to the Council. The weight accorded to any such statements, by virtue of the special status of national institutions, could draw attention to some important issues that might not otherwise receive adequate consideration.