A/HRC/13/44
V.
Round tables on thematic issues
Transitional justice
98.
In January 2009, OHCHR issued a guidance note on NHRIs and transitional justice,
developed in consultation with experts and national institutions. It is to assist NHRIs in
their engagement on transitional justice issues, describes challenges and opportunities,
highlights applicable international standards, and makes recommendations.
Economic, social and cultural rights
99.
A side event to the twenty-second session of the International Coordinating
Committee focused on NHRIs and the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Panellists discussed the justiciability of economic,
social and cultural rights and the role of NHRIs in implementing the Optional Protocol.
Detention
100. NHRIs participated in a side event held during the twenty-second session of the
International Coordinating Committee in March 2009, to share experience and initiatives on
detention monitoring and contribute directly to a joint publication by Harvard University
and OHCHR. The discussions focused on structural and policy issues in relation to
detention monitoring.
Torture prevention and the Optional Protocol to the Convention
against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment
101. NHRIs participated in a side event during the twenty-second session of the
International Coordinating Committee to share experience in the implementation of the
Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. The discussions showed that, while
there is no set model for the creation of a national preventative mechanism, institutions
have a significant role to play in relation to the implementation of the Optional Protocol,
either by acting as national preventative mechanisms, coordinating the work of such
mechanisms or interacting with the designated mechanism. The role of NHRIs at the
international level (e.g., interactions with the Subcommittee on Prevention) was also noted.
102. In cooperation with the Association for the Prevention of Torture and the AsiaPacific Forum, OHCHR is currently finalizing the handbook for NHRIs on the prevention
of torture, which will provide guidance, including through best practice from institutions
acting as national preventative mechanisms.
Human rights inquiry
103. In 2008 the Equality and Human Rights Commission of Great Britain launched a
human rights inquiry aimed at assessing the progress in raising the awareness of human
rights culture in the country. A parallel event was organized by OHCHR and the institution
at the twelfth session of the Human Rights Council on 23 September 2009, to share the
experience in conducting this inquiry.
GE.10-10269
17
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