A/HRC/2/2 A/HRC/Sub.1/58/36 page 82 [advice] body within the United Nations human rights machinery, because certain essential functions within the United Nations human rights machinery can best be fulfilled by such a body” (annex to Sub-Commission decision 2005/114, para. 2).16 22. The functions include the promotion and progressive development of human rights, through studies and standard-setting; the protection of human rights, through the 1503 procedure and, possibly, through involvement in the UPR process; promoting the coherence of the human rights system, including by the provision of follow-up; and identifying lacunae, challenges and implementation needs. These will be considered in turn. HRCC could: (a) At the request of the Council, or at its own initiative, undertake research and produce documents (in particular, thematic in-depth studies in accordance with a carefully established, prioritized, not-too-prolific, long-term programme of work) to facilitate the promotion and protection of human rights. Essential to the discharge of this function is the collaborative work of specialized, ongoing, intersessional and sessional working groups; (b) At the request of the Council, or at its own initiative, carry out standard-setting activities, including the process of identification of new issues that may require the adoption of certain norms and other types of standards (such as principles, rules, guidelines and/or practices), including in the field of implementation, as well as the creation of said draft norms and other standards for adoption by Member States, in accordance with a carefully established programme of work. Essential to the discharge of this function is the collaborative work of specialized, ongoing, intersessional and sessional working groups; (c) Protect human rights by means of involvement in the 1503 procedure and, possibly, the UPR review process: (i) 16 1503 procedure. The Sub-Commission emphasizes the need for a confidential complaint procedure that may provide an effective and timely The importance of the work of the Sub-Commission has been emphasized by various commentators. Ambassador Makarim Wibisono, Chairperson of the Commission at its sixty-first session, said on 25 July 2005, “[The Commission] recognized not only the valuable contribution made by this body [the Sub-Commission] to the work of the United Nations over the past 58 years but also its important contribution to the development of a better understanding of human rights through the study of important issues, the elaboration of international standards and the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the world.” Louise Arbour said on 25 July 2005, “Over the years, the Sub-Commission has provided the Commission on Human Rights with insights and ideas, based on expertise and experience of its members [and] helped to identify and develop new areas for further consideration.” Mehr Khan Williams, the Deputy High Commissioner, said on 7 August 2006, “Since its inception, this body [the Sub-Commission] has devoted itself to research and discussion of new and challenging human rights issues. … The Sub-Commission did not hesitate to raise issues that were initially considered provocative or unwelcome but which essentially helped in shaping new thinking and action of the Commission. The Sub-Commission has been a forum for the voice of the civil society.”

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