A/HRC/20/9 I. Introduction 1. The present report is submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 17/9 of 16 June 2011 on national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights, which requests the Secretary-General to report at the twentieth session of the Human Rights Council on the implementation of the resolution. The report outlines progress achieved since the last report of the Secretary-General on this subject, submitted to the Human Rights Council at its sixteenth session in March 2011 (A/HRC/16/76). This report should be read in conjunction with the Secretary-General’s report to the General Assembly on national human rights institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (A/66/274) and with the Secretary-General’s report to the Human Rights Council on the activities of the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in accrediting national institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles (A/HRC/20/10). 2. By its resolution 17/9, the Human Rights Council recognized the important role of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in assisting the development of independent and effective national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (NHRIs) in accordance with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (Paris Principles). It also welcomed the role of the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in assessing the conformity of NHRIs with the Paris Principles and in providing assistance in strengthening their capacities. The Human Rights Council recognized the role of independent NHRIs in working together with Governments to ensure full respect for human rights at the national level, including by contributing to follow-up actions, as appropriate, to recommendations resulting from the international human rights mechanisms, as well as in supporting cooperation between their Governments and the United Nations in the promotion and protection of human rights. The Human Rights Council encouraged NHRIs to continue playing an active role in the prevention and protection of human rights as provided for in international human rights instruments and encouraged member States to establish effective, independent and pluralistic NHRIs; or, where they already exist, to enhance their capacities to better promote and protect all human rights. II. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and national human rights institutions 3. NHRIs, in compliance with the Paris Principles, are part and parcel of a strong and effective national human rights system, their role in promoting and monitoring the effective implementation of international human rights standards at the national level is critical, including through the promotion of the rule of law and ensuring accountability. 4. OHCHR continues to accord high priority to the establishment and strengthening of NHRIs in accordance with the Paris Principles. OHCHR also supports the increased engagement and contribution of NHRIs to the United Nations and regional human rights mechanisms. It encourages the sharing of good practices among NHRIs, supports the strengthening of their regional networks and facilitates their cooperation with relevant partners. OHCHR is also engaged in improving United Nations system-wide coordination on NHRIs. 5. Since 2008, OHCHR has hosted a fellowship programme for staff members of “A” status NHRIs. During the reporting period, participants in the programme came from the 4