A/HRC/15/44 expand the protection and promotion of human rights to areas where human rights were not well developed was commended. Special procedures were called on to undertake missions in a more systematic and coordinated manner. 41. Concern was raised about the protection of witnesses who risked their lives to provide information to special procedures and the United Nations in general. Participants called for increased and concerted efforts in addressing the rights and liberties of those and other human rights defenders. 42. Representatives of United Nations entities encouraged special procedures to further the cooperation by exploring entry points into United Nations entities, while particular emphasis was placed on deepening working relationships and enhancing professional working methods between the special procedures and United Nations entities. Efficient and effective information sharing, including background briefings prior to country missions, was highlighted as a good practice, and further identification of additional good practices was highly encouraged. B. Consultations with non-governmental organizations and national human rights institutions 43. Mandate holders acknowledged that the contribution of NGOs and NHRIs was essential to their country visits, to the preparation of thematic reports and to assisting victims with the submission of communications. They also commended NGOS and NHRIs for making the system of special procedures mandate holders well known. NGO and NHRI representatives encouraged special procedures to enhance their role in early warning and to consider ways to bring urgent matters to the attention of the Human Rights Council. The importance of urgent appeals for protection, institutionalized collaboration with civil society, collaboration with regional mechanisms, and integration of gender perspectives into the work of special procedures was also stressed. 44. Special procedures’ reports were considered as essential for civil society advocacy. Special procedures communications could be enhanced to strengthen the protection of victims. The capacity of mandate holders to call attention to sensitive topics and situations was stressed. Mandate holders called for better coordination of civil society meetings which are convened during country visits to allow for more efficient use of time and resources. Concern was raised about States failing to honour standing invitations. The centrality of the safety and protection of witnesses was emphasized, with deep concerns being expressed at the impunity enjoyed by those who violated the rights of human rights defenders. 45. NGOs and NHRIs saw the Council review as an opportunity for the United Nations human rights machinery to be reinforced. They called for the strengthening of the special procedures guarantees of their independence. Concerns were raised that there had been a decline in the quality of interactive dialogues between special procedures and the Council. Proposals were made to enhance these dialogues, including through the provision of more time in the Council and opportunities for informal interaction between States and mandate holders.. It was deplored that in debates in the Council, States were increasingly resorting to unsubstantiated or unjustified allegations of violations of the Code of Conduct. . No support was expressed for proposals to create a body to oversee compliance with the Code by mandate holders, and increased use of the Internal Advisory Procedure on practices and working methods was encouraged. The accountability of States in respect of implementation of special procedures recommendations was emphasized and it was proposed that there should be a mechanism to ensure transparency and cooperation. The Coordination Committee was also encouraged to engage with the process of the review of 12