A/HRC/12/46 page 20 70. Resolutions are increasingly making explicit references to gender dimensions, which is encouraging; however, it is important that references be substantive, with details regarding the specific application of a gender perspective in the precise case. States tabling an initiative could consider how the subject matter of the resolution reflects the different ways in which the issue affects men and women, boys and girls. 71. The gender integration panel discussions have produced an important set of practical recommendations that the Human Rights Council could immediately implement with minimum effort. However, there is a lack of continuous stocktaking of such recommendations, and the Council may wish to reflect on the suggestion to create a Council “gender focal point”, in the form of a group of self-identified States. 72. Further, the Human Rights Council may wish to ensure that all its plenary panels reflect a gender balance and perspective, not just those explicitly discussing women’s human rights or gender integration, and to encourage all panellists to apply a gender perspective in their presentations. Prevention and resolution of conflicts and peacebuilding 73. Challenges remain to the implementation of many of the commitments contained in Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008). All States have responsibilities, in particular those in conflict and post-conflict situations, but also those that provide post-conflict assistance. The use of special measures to promote greater equality as well as awareness of the rights upon which the resolutions are based is fundamental to their efficacy. Coordination of ministries is indispensible to evaluate the activities being conducted and to formulate additional measures if new needs arise, and it is equally important to work with and include civil society in the process. Human rights treaty bodies 74. The Human Rights Council is not mandated to make any decisions regarding treaty bodies’ modus operandi; however, the Council can support their work by contributing to the implementation of their concluding observations and recommendations, particularly in the context of UPR. Options may include systematically making recommendations to ratify CEDAW and its Optional Protocol and encouraging the withdrawal of reservations, and the taking of particular steps to implement international human rights obligations and recommendations stemming from treaty bodies. 75. Another challenge is to improve information-sharing and raise awareness on how existing instruments can be better employed for the purpose of gender integration. Both CEDAW and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action could be utilized more systematically to integrate a gender perspective into the work of the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms, as they provide a legal and political platform for this approach. Awareness-raising through seminars and workshops and information on the OHCHR home page could be considered. -----