A/HRC/13/26 I. Introduction 1. The present report, which should be read together with the High Commissioner’s report to the General Assembly (A/64/36), constitutes the High Commissioner’s annual report submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council decision 2/102. The report notes a number of serious human rights challenges that have predominated during 2009, particularly the food, economic and financial crises, and a subsequent deterioration of the ability of vulnerable groups to enjoy their basic human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has addressed these challenges by reinforcing the work and emphasizing the relevance of the international human rights mechanisms and has engaged in dialogue and cooperation with Member States and other stakeholders. II. Support for the work of the Human Rights Council and the effective functioning of its mechanisms 2. With the support of OHCHR, the Human Rights Council held four special sessions on the human rights situations in several countries, and two thematic sessions: one on the global food crisis and another on the economic crisis. OHCHR continued to support country missions including the Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict and a mission to Honduras (see section IV below). 3. As the Council begins the process of the review of its work and functioning, it is important that it not be diverted from taking up pressing human rights issues that the Council has a core responsibility to address. Accordingly, the review established pursuant to paragraphs 1 and 16 of General Assembly resolution 60/251 should be carefully framed. This is an exercise distinct from the 2006 reform, consisting of layered adjustments rather than one major process. It relates to the status of the Council, including its relationship with the General Assembly, and its working methods and functioning. The Council is called upon to build on the results of the comprehensive reform in 2006 and ensure better functioning of the existing human rights machinery. The review process offers an opportunity to take stock of the Council’s achievements objectively, identify areas in which adjustment is necessary and analyse challenges. These efforts should take a pragmatic approach and be conducted in an inclusive manner, in a spirit of cooperation, aimed at reaching consensus at the Council and the General Assembly. 4. Specific areas to be considered include ways to enhance the transparency and predictability of the Council’s annual programme of work, spreading its work more evenly throughout the year; crafting a clearer delineation of the relationship between the Council and its subsidiary organs; and measures to stimulate cross-regional initiatives, more systematic and active engagement with United Nations departments, funds and programmes, and specialized agencies. 5. The positive trend of dedicating in-session segments to thematic panel discussions has continued. This has allowed the Council to consider a wide range of topics, such as climate change and persons with disabilities, and to draw on available expertise. The further diversification of discussion formats should be encouraged, but modalities may need to be refined to ensure that the Council’s regular sessions are not overburdened. 6. The Council has been innovative in approaching thematic issues. However, in the case of the universal periodic review, where country situations are concerned, it still operates on the lines of the inflexible framework of the Commission. No country is free of human rights challenges and the Council must be in a position to consider all human rights GE.09-17604 3