A/HRC/23/20 I. Introduction 1. In its decision 4/104, adopted in 2007, the Human Rights Council requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to consult States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations on ways and means to enhance international cooperation and dialogue, including obstacles and challenges, as well as possible proposals to overcome them. On the basis of reports submitted by the High Commissioner in 2008, 2009 and 2010 on such consultations, the Council, at its thirteenth session, requested the Advisory Committee to explore ways and means to enhance international cooperation in the field of human rights and to submit its proposals to the Council. 2. In its resolution 19/33, the Human Rights Council requested the Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) to organize a seminar, with the participation of States, relevant United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, and other stakeholders, including academic experts and civil society, in addition to a member of the Advisory Committee. 3. Pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 19/33, a seminar was held in Geneva, on 15 February 2013. Building upon the study submitted to the Council by the Advisory Committee,1 including the recommendations contained therein, as requested by the Council in its resolution 19/33, the seminar had the aim of providing a space for further dialogue to clarify and discuss the legal definition of international cooperation and human rights, to share experiences and good practices enabling the reinforcement of international cooperation in the field of human rights, and to identify and discuss the areas and the role of key actors in international cooperation, including the role of the United Nations in promoting international cooperation in the field of human rights. 4. Chaired and moderated by the former acting High Commissioner, Bertrand Ramcharan, the seminar brought together experts from treaty bodies, special procedures, the Advisory Committee, United Nations agencies, regional, international and nongovernmental organizations organisations (see annex). Representatives of Governments, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations attended as observers. 5. In its resolution 19/33, the Human Rights Council also requested OHCHR to present a summary of the deliberations held during the seminar and to submit it to the Council. The present report is submitted pursuant to that request. II. Summary of discussions A. Role of international human rights instruments, the Human Rights Council and other United Nations bodies in developing the concept of international cooperation in the field of human rights 6. Opening statements were delivered by the Deputy United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the President of the Human Rights Council, the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement) and the Director of External Relations of the Council of Europe. 1 A/HRC/19/74. 3