A/HRC/19/81 6. At its sixth session, the Human Rights Council adopted decision 6/102 on the follow-up to its resolution 5/1, in which it described the technical and objective requirements for the submission of candidatures, which include: (a) Recognized competence and experience in the field of human rights; (b) High moral standing; (c) Independence and impartiality. 7. When selecting their candidates, States should apply the following guidelines on technical and objective requirements for the submission of their candidates: (a) Competence and experience: (i) Academic studies in the field of human rights or related areas and/or experience and exposure to leadership roles in the human rights field at the national, regional or international levels; (ii) Substantial experience (at least five years) and personal contributions in the field of human rights; (iii) Knowledge of the United Nations system and of institutional mandates and policies related to the work in the area of human rights, as well as knowledge of international human rights instruments, norms and disciplines; familiarity with different legal systems and civilizations will be preferable; (iv) Proficiency in at least one official language of the United Nations; (v) Availability of time to fulfil the work of the Advisory Committee in an effective manner, both to attend its sessions and to carry out mandated activities between sessions; (b) High moral standing; (c) Independence and impartiality: individuals holding decision-making positions in Government or any other organization or entity which might give rise to a conflict of interest with responsibilities inherent to the mandate will be excluded; elected members of the Advisory Committee will act in their personal capacity; (d) Other considerations: the principle of non-accumulation of human rights functions at the same time shall be respected. 8. In electing members of the Advisory Committee, the Human Rights Council should give due consideration to gender balance and appropriate representation of different civilizations and legal systems. 2