A/HRC/13/61 related to poverty but also a broader spectrum of human rights issues. Considering the challenge the Office would be facing in implementing the broad theme, the Board recommended that OHCHR take the lead in setting minimum standards with clear guidelines to be attained by all States in achieving human rights. 19. The Board was further briefed on the work done by the Office to strengthen its capacities on economic, social and cultural rights, including the priority areas of work, the achievements made by special procedures, standard-setting, research and conceptualization, as well as the development of tools such as workshops, CD-ROMs, training sessions, reports and assessment missions. The Board congratulated the Office on the work done and encouraged it to work more in the areas of policymaking and advocacy. 20. The Board was updated on the planning process undertaken by OHCHR to develop the thematic strategy on “Protecting human rights in situations of armed conflict, violence and insecurity” and the strategic actions to be undertaken by the Peace Missions Support and Rapid Response Section. The Board noted the importance of strong partnerships in the field following an update on the humanitarian action work undertaken by OHCHR, including the cluster coordination by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee.4 The Board was further informed about the planned workshop (December 2009) on enhancing the Office’s engagement in humanitarian action through increased involvement in humanitarian planning and access to funding for humanitarian action, in coordination with United Nations country teams and donors. 21. The Board was updated on the development of the thematic priority on “Combating impunity and strengthening accountability, the rule of law and democratic society”. The Board was informed that combating impunity and strengthening the rule of law would continue to be a priority for the Office in all regions. OHCHR will work to strengthen the conditions of accountability for violations of all rights – civil, political, economic, social and cultural. The Board was informed of a public information campaign thereon and the issuing of a best practices study that examines available accountability mechanisms for human rights violations and lessons learned. The Board noted the complementary roles of OHCHR and the International Criminal Court in combating impunity. 22. The Board was given information on the thematic strategy on “Strengthening human rights mechanisms and the progressive development of international human rights law”, including the important role it played in all other thematic priorities and the challenges faced when focusing on the development of human rights law and the follow-up procedures for the recommendations of treaty bodies. It was also informed of the challenges faced in developing realistic and measurable indicators of achievement in relation to the expected accomplishments and harmonizing working methods in the field. The Board acknowledged that, although some traditional elements needed to be adhered to in ensuring reporting compliance with treaty body requirements, OHCHR played a leading role in the progressive development of human rights law where new instruments are elaborated. V. OHCHR technical cooperation: capacity- and institutionbuilding activities 23. The Board members acknowledged the improved cooperation in the field between OHCHR and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as well as other United 4 6 The Inter-Agency Standing Committee is the funding mechanism for inter-agency coordination of humanitarian assistance, involving key United Nations and non-United Nations humanitarian partners. GE.10-10528