A/HRC/23/18 70. Participants recognized the critical role played by OHCHR in advancing cooperation between international and regional human rights mechanisms. Thecapacity of OHCHR to operate as focal point of cooperation between the two mechanisms, and in particular to facilitate the continuous activities of the focal points network, had however, been adversely affected by the financial constraints placed upon it. 71. Cooperation between human rights mechanisms was identified as a way to save resources in times of financial constraint. United Nations and regional human rights mechanisms were encouraged to further develop joint activities and the exchange of information. VI. Recommendations A. States and United Nations and regional human rights mechanisms 72. Focal points are fundamental for enhancing cooperation between United Nations and regional human rights mechanisms. They should be provided with adequate resources to carry out effectively the tasks outlined in their workplans. Meetings of focal points on cooperation should be held annually. 73. Information-sharing between United Nations and regional human rights mechanisms should be systematized by, inter alia, the exchange of calendars of activities, programmes of visits, list of secretariats and reports. Focal points should be responsible for ensuring regular information-sharing. 74. A shared agenda of activities of international and regional human rights mechanisms should be developed, including common short- and mid-term planning. Thematic meetings should be convened with the participation of experts. 75. To date, OHCHR has supported the mandate of cooperation between United Nations and regional human rights mechanisms by means of extrabudgetary resources. Owing to the financial constraints faced by the Office, however, such an arrangement was no longer feasible. The nascent network of two-way exchange of information and communications on joint activities and follow-up regularly channelled through the OHCHR focal point required adequate facilitation and development. Furthermore, OHCHR would continue to be the convener of biennial workshops and annual meetings of focal points. The work required to support such an important mandate demanded at least one additional Professional staff member and one additional General Service staff member. 76. Such good practices as desk-to-desk cooperation and the Addis Ababa road map on cooperation should be used as examples for other regions. 77. United Nations and regional human rights mechanisms should systematically cross-reference their jurisprudence and recommendations. A database containing the findings, decisions and recommendations of United Nations and regional human rights mechanisms should be created. This tool could be accessible to victims, States and other stakeholders. 78. A matrix containing recommendations made by United Nations and regional human rights mechanisms should be developed. The said mechanisms should systematically follow up on each other’s recommendations. Best practices on followup on recommendations across mechanisms should be mapped and clustered. 17