A/HRC/13/44 III. Cooperation between United Nations human rights mechanisms and national human rights institutions A. Human Rights Council 74. OHCHR has been supporting NHRI engagement with the Human Rights Council, in accordance with Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/74. Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 provides opportunities for institutions and their regional coordinating mechanisms to participate in the Human Rights Council and to engage with its various mechanisms. Institutions accredited with A status by the International Coordinating Committee, the Committee itself, and regional coordinating bodies speaking on behalf of A-status accredited institutions may participate and address the Council on all agenda items. They can also submit written statements, issue documentation (with a United Nations document symbol) and have separate seating arrangements at the Council sessions. 75. With regard to Council mechanisms, institutions have been given a clear and significant role by resolution 5/1, for example with regard to the universal periodic review, where their input is included in the stakeholders’ report. OHCHR is assisting in the implementation of universal periodic review recommendations concerning the establishment or strengthening of NHRIs, including supporting institutions in applying for International Coordinating Committee accreditation. 76. In 2009, 48 countries were reviewed under the universal periodic review. Of these, 22 have an NHRI, 11 of which submitted information for the stakeholder’s report. Among them, nine hold A status and two, B status. The Network of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights of the Americas submitted two contributions regarding the universal periodic review of Chile and Uruguay. 77. In 2009, an average of 20 NHRIs participated in each of the Human Rights Council sessions. They were very active before and during the sessions, presenting statements, submitting written documentation, participating in general debates and interacting with the Special Rapporteurs. B. Treaty bodies 78. In 2009, 69 of the countries examined by treaty bodies had an NHRI. Of those institutions, 37 participated in the treaty body process, including by submitting alternative reports or attending the sessions. As an ongoing activity, OHCHR has systematically engaged with treaty bodies by providing expert analysis on NHRIs and their related activities. It also regularly updates a compilation of all treaty body concluding observations and recommendations that mention NHRIs (www.nhri.net), and sends the concluding observations to the institutions concerned. 79. On 26 October 2009, the International Coordinating Committee, with the International Disability Alliance and OHCHR, held a parallel event on cooperation between NHRIs and organizations of persons with disabilities in monitoring the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It was organized on the sidelines of the OHCHR consultations on national frameworks under the Convention. 80. The reports to the General Assembly of the Committee against Torture and the Committee on the Rights of the Child have recognized the important role of NHRIs in their processes. The Human Rights Committee has a dedicated focal point for such institutions. In 2009, the secretariat of the Committee against Torture launched a website for NHRIs, with information on how to interact with it. GE.10-10269 13