A/HRC/23/25 Member States a forum to exchange expertise, experiences and information, to develop national and international strategies and to identify priorities for combating crime. 39. The Commission, under its priority area of promoting the use and application of United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice, has increasingly focused on the issue of violence against women. It has adopted thematic resolutions on the issue including on: strengthening crime prevention and criminal justice responses to violence against women, measures for achieving progress on the issue of trafficking in persons63 and strengthening crime prevention and criminal justice responses to violence against women and girls.64 Of particular interest are the Updated Model Strategies and Practical Measures on the Elimination of Violence against Women in the Field of Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice adopted by the General Assembly in December 2010 upon recommendation of the Commission. 65 40. The Commission organizes annual thematic discussion. It has addressed violence against migrants, migrant workers and members of their families. In 2008, it held a thematic discussion on aspects of violence against women that pertain directly to the Commission.66 The Special Rapporteur on trafficking has been invited to address the Commission during its annual thematic discussions. 41. The Commission assists the General Assembly in providing substantive and organizational direction for the quinquennial United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. It also considers the outcome of the congresses and takes decisions on appropriate follow-up measures, including those related to the implementation of the commitments taken by Member States in the final declaration adopted at the end of each congress. In the Salvador Declaration67 adopted by the 12th Crime Congress in 2010, member States expressed deep concern about the pervasiveness of violence against women in all its different forms and manifestations and urged States to enhance efforts to prevent, prosecute and punish violence against women. Although violence against women is not a standing item of the Crime Congresses, it continues to be addressed in its workshops. For example, the next Crime Congress scheduled for 2015 will focus on the role of existing United Nations standards and norms on crime prevention and criminal justice in addressing the unique needs of women and children. 42. In order to promote greater synergies and linkages between the Commission and Human Rights Council in the area of violence against women, the following recommendations may be considered: (a) Ensure the relevant thematic reports produced by the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, other relevant mandate holders, the Advisory Committee and OHCHR, as well as the summary of the annual full-day discussion on women’s rights are brought to the attention of Commission sessions and discussions on priority themes. (b) Encourage the participation of the Special Rapporteur and other mandates, as appropriate and feasible, in the panel discussions and round tables on priority themes. (c) Encourage the Commission to invite relevant mandate holders to report to the Commission and hold an interactive dialogue with it. 63 64 65 66 67 E/2010/30-E/CN.15/2010/20. E/2008/30-E/CN.15/2008/22. General Assembly resolution 65/228, annex. E/2008/30-E/CN.15/2008/22. General Assembly resolution 65/230, annex. 13