A/HRC/15/44
of joint activities were being implemented. The Code of Conduct had been addressed
through the Internal Advisory Procedure on practices and working methods, which allows
any stakeholder, including States and mandate holders, to bring issues to the attention of the
Committee for advice and guidance.
8.
The former Chair informed participants that during 2009/2010 action had been taken
in relation to the following issues: the selection procedure of new mandate holders;
orientation sessions for new mandate holders; participation of special procedures in special
sessions of the Council; facilitation of dialogue among mandate holders and States;
guidance on working methods, including implementation of the Code of Conduct and the
Internal Advisory Procedure; coordination of joint statements, including press releases;
interaction with the President of the Human Rights Council, the members of the
Consultative Group, other stakeholders and OHCHR in relation to a number of other
thematic and country-related issues; and preparation of the annual meeting of mandate
holders. It was noted that between 2009 and 2010 the Internal Advisory Procedure had been
activated on two occasions by mandate holders. The outcome of the process had been
communicated to those mandate holders, as well as to the President of the Council.
9.
Participants expressed deep appreciation for the work of the former Chair and other
members of the Coordination Committee and wished the new Committee well. They agreed
that when the next Committee would be constituted, there would be a call for expressions
of interest. They noted the need for regular and strengthened engagement by the Committee
with the Council over the next year and referred to the upcoming Council review as an
opportunity for the Committee. They stressed the importance of strengthening the special
procedures system through the forthcoming review, and discussed concerns regarding the
application of the Code of Conduct, in particular allegations of violations considered
unjustified or unsubstantiated. The linkages between the special procedures system and the
universal periodic review were also highlighted, in particular the positive impact of the
universal periodic review in cases where mandates had been given access to countries for
official visits. Participants encouraged the new Committee to explore substantive
involvement and participation by special procedures in the second cycle of the universal
periodic review.
10.
The former Chair thanked the Special Procedures Branch of OHCHR for its support
to the Committee and for keeping mandate holders informed about developments at the
Council throughout the year.
IV.
Exchange of views with the Deputy High Commissioner
11.
Participants held an exchange of views with Ms. Kyung-wha Kang, United Nations
Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights. Ms. Kang emphasized the importance of
the work of special procedures and reiterated the commitment of OHCHR to provide the
system of special procedures with substantive and administrative support necessary for the
effective discharge of the mandates. She indicated that the Office was available to assist
special procedures to expand their scope of action with regard to early warning, which
would enhance the capabilities of the Human Rights Council in that area. She noted that
OHCHR would continue to support special procedures in their interaction with States in
relation to follow-up to their recommendations, including through its field presences. She
acknowledged the challenges that the special procedures faced in promoting follow-up to
their recommendations and fulfilling additional mandates or carrying out additional
activities within existing resources. She also suggested that consideration be given to the
need to address lack of cooperation by some States, and situations of unjustified or
unsubstantiated criticism.
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