A/HRC/2/2 A/HRC/Sub.1/58/36 page 91 3. The future expert advice mechanism should retain the current powers of initiative of the Sub-Commission, such as the ability to make recommendations; to adopt resolutions, decisions and Chairperson’s statements; to create sessional working groups and to undertake the preparation of working papers. 4. The future expert advice mechanism requires the mandate and the resources to fulfil whatever functions are given to it. Promotion and progressive development of human rights 5. The expert advice should be provided on the basis of detailed analysis, study and discussion. The studies should be comprehensive and action oriented within a preconceived yet flexible overall work plan that corresponds to and complements issues on the agendas of other parts of the human rights system. 6. The advice needed includes recommendations with regard to standard-setting, including both norms and other standards (e.g. guidelines, principles). 7. The expert advice mechanism would undertake studies and standard-setting at the request of the Human Rights Council. 8. In order to meet the concerns expressed by experts, NGOs, NHRIs, Governments, regional and intergovernmental organizations and United Nations organizations and agencies, as expressed in general debate, the future expert advice mechanism requires a power of initiative. When conducting research on its own initiative, a working paper should be produced by a member of the body. If the body wishes to develop the work by means of a study, it would seek the authorization of the Human Rights Council, giving reasons for the need for the study. 9. OHCHR should provide all necessary assistance requested by those experts undertaking studies, on the same terms and conditions as special rapporteurs appointed by the Human Rights Council. 10. OHCHR should provide annual accounts, accompanying the report of the expert, explaining how the resources allocated to a study or activity have been used. Working groups and the Social Forum 11. Intersessional working groups and the Social Forum should be an integral part of the structure of the future expert advice mechanism. They would meet between annual sessions, for five working days, and would provide a specialist focus on certain issues, such as is, or used to be, the case for indigenous issues, minority issues and contemporary forms of slavery, and a social forum, with the full participation of representatives of affected communities and peoples as well as relevant organizations and institutions.