A/HRC/38/27 and protection of human rights in the light of the universal periodic review mechanism: challenges and opportunities. The issues for discussion included, the importance of universal periodic review recommendations, which can serve as a key entry point for cooperation with and action by Governments, the United Nations system and the international community at large, including donors; contributing to international cooperation through the sharing of best practices; the critical role of coordination mechanisms in reporting and follow-up; strengthening coordination at the United Nationslevel through the mainstreaming of human rights into United Nations country team and individual programmes, and planning and programming of agencies; and strengthening South-South and North-South cooperation and international donor coordination. 14. Participants in the panel discussion highlighted the fact that the substantive issues raised during the universal periodic review often mirrored the recommendations of other human rights mechanisms, forming a cross-section of critical gaps in human rights at the country level which, if addressed, would build more resilient societies and sustain development and peace. Panel members identified the need for strong coordination of implementation efforts at the national level by national reporting and follow-up mechanisms. The role of national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations at the national and international levels was emphasized, as was the importance of non-retaliation for any form of cooperation with United Nations human rights mechanisms. Discussions also focused on the complementarity between the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the universal periodic review. The panel identified the review as a unique opportunity for States to ground their national development programmes and policies and to move the 2030 Agenda forward, supported by the United Nations system at the national level, under the leadership of the United Nations Resident Coordinator and the international donor community. 15. Accordingly, OHCHR has focused its support on establishing and/or strengthening national mechanisms and processes for follow-up. Key elements identified for more effective follow-up at the national level include a well-functioning inter-institutional body; an implementation action plan that clearly identifies achievable results and priorities; national government agencies responsible for implementation; and indicators and timelines against which to measure impact. OHCHR is also developing various follow-up tools that link the implementation of recommendations made by human rights mechanisms with the Sustainable Development Goals. 16. OHCHR has in addition received more direct requests from States to provide technical assistance to address key thematic human rights issues identified in the recommendations made by international human rights mechanisms as priority issues for implementation on the ground. Nonetheless, the actual number of direct requests received is still negligible. 17. In order to provide more effective support to States in implementing key priority recommendations of international human rights mechanisms, OHCHR will seek to ensure that universal periodic review outcomes are (a) fully integrated and mainstreamed into United Nations Development Assistance Frameworks, integrated strategic frameworks in peacekeeping missions, and national development action plans; (b) are used as a tool for conflict prevention and reduction. A thorough analysis of review outcomes, together with the work of other human rights mechanisms, such as the concluding observations of treaty bodies, the findings and recommendations of special procedures, and the findings of commission of inquiries mandated by the Human Rights Council, can provide an indication of where a potential conflict is likely, and of the measures that the international community should take to reduce conflict. OHCHR will also strive to provide technical assistance and cooperation to States with a view to integrating review outcomes fully into national frameworks and processes for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. 18. Equally important, OHCHR will make every effort to ensure that the Voluntary Fund for Financial and Technical Assistance in the Implementation of the Universal Periodic Review is better resourced, which will allow OHCHR to increase its technical assistance in building the capacities of States and other stakeholders, such as national human rights institutions and civil society organizations, to implement recommendations made by international human rights mechanisms in a holistic and integrated manner. 4