A/HRC/7/38 page 5 the old and the new complaint mechanisms, in terms of their overall architecture, but also in relation to the admissibility of communications, it continues to be critical to operationalize the new and distinct parameters to ensure a more transparent and efficient mechanism as is called for by the Council in its resolution 5/1. 13. Another challenge for the coming year will be to develop the analytical capacities of the Council and of its subsidiary organ, the Advisory Committee. New impetus should be given to the consideration of thematic matters through rejuvenated procedures, such as the holding of panel discussions and general debates. As for the latter, further thought should be given to their format with a view to making them more substantive in nature and less bureaucratic in style. 14. I welcome the establishment by consensus of a new expert mechanism on the human rights of indigenous peoples to provide thematic expertise in this area, in continuation of the work of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the former Sub-Commission. This new mechanism will be composed of six independent experts, of which at least three will be representatives of indigenous peoples. This is an example of how the Council can ensure that the needs of those concerned will be adequately taken into account in the mainstreaming of the rights of specific groups. Another welcome initiative to foster the Council’s thematic expertise was its decision to establish a forum on minority issues to provide a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues pertaining to people belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. The establishment of interlinkages between the forum and the work of the independent expert on minority issues not only encourages the cross-fertilization between various elements of the system of protection and promotion of human rights, but also ensures a consistent and coherent approach. 15. Concerning the establishment of the Advisory Committee, my Office has maintained and prepared a list of the candidatures received, which was closed at the beginning of the year, and from which the 18 members of the new body will be elected. When casting their ballots at the current session, the Council members should bear in mind that the level of expertise, independence and impartiality of the new body will be decisive if this think-tank is to effectively provide research-based advice to the Council on emerging or underdeveloped thematic issues. While it appears that, in terms of composition, the new body may not be fundamentally different from its predecessor, I believe it is critical that, in discharging its mandate, the Committee adopt an approach that is oriented towards implementation rather than theory, and therefore actively engages with State and non-State actors, including non-governmental organizations and national human rights institutions, in a meaningful manner. 16. The system of special procedures remains one of the key tools of the Council in the protection and promotion of human rights and my Office continues to provide strong and efficient support to the activities of the various mandate-holders and their Coordination Committee. I have advocated for the substantive participation of the mandate-holders in the review, rationalization and improvement of their mandates and I am pleased to note that this process is well under way. I am confident that the Council at its current session will pursue its efforts to further strengthen the system of special procedures with the objective, to the greatest extent possible, of universality of coverage of human rights issues.