A/HRC/15/44
35.
OHCHR field presences informed participants about initiatives to give greater
visibility to United Nations human rights mechanisms recommendations, such as through
publications and databases to track the implementation of those recommendations. Two
databases were presented: that of the OHCHR Regional Office in Bangkok, which
systematically registered information relating to the implementation of recommendations
and follow-up activities; and that of the OHCHR-Colombia country office, developed
jointly with the Government to assist authorities to respond better to special procedures
communications. Mandate holders were briefed on the role of the recently established
Regional Office for Europe in assisting mandate holders to engage with European
institutions on issues relating to their mandates.
36.
Mandate holders welcomed the valuable political guidance and substantive and
logistical support received before, during and after missions to countries where OHCHR
had a field presence. OHCHR field presences staff noted that different levels of support
could be expected by OHCHR field presences or United Nations country teams depending,
inter alia, on the size and type of the United Nations field presence. The preparations and
conduct of missions to countries that had few or very limited United Nations presences
were noted as challenges.
37.
The need to cooperate with regional and subregional human rights mechanisms was
stressed, and joint missions with special rapporteurs of the Inter-American and African
human rights protection systems were encouraged. The participation of mandate holders in
promotional human rights events organized by OHCHR field presences was suggested. It
was noted that these events allowed for informal contacts with States. The need to develop
joint strategies for the dissemination of information, such as end-of visit statements and
mission reports, as well as their translation into the national language was emphasized.
Mandate holders were also encouraged to make greater use of the increased interest of
regional media networks on human rights issues.
38.
Mandate holders encouraged OHCHR field presences to provide them with more
information about human rights issues that might require their attention or that should be
assessed in more detail by fact-finding missions. OHCHR field representatives also called
on mandate holders to stand ready to provide advice on draft legislation or engage in other
types of technical cooperation, including that organized by OHCHR field presences, and by
other parts of the United Nations system.
VII.
A.
Consultation with stakeholders
United Nations entities
39.
Mandate holders held an exchange of views with United Nations entities (Joint
United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, United Nations Population Fund, Office of the
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, United Nations Children’s Fund and
World Food Programme) and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Participants
welcomed the cooperation of United Nations entities in the preparation of or during country
visits. Their institutional knowledge of the different regions was acknowledged. However,
it was noted that there was often insufficient human rights mainstreaming and lack of
special procedures and human rights protection systems, resulting in a limited support for
the preparation of country missions. Participants encouraged United Nations entities to
increase staff awareness and training on human rights-based approaches for enhanced
coordination.
40.
Representatives of United Nations entities appreciated the special procedures’
unique ability to convey issues to international audiences. Special procedures’ capacity to
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