A/HRC/30/28 State budgeting. Others gave examples of State bodies set up at the highest level, and with a broad representation of civil society, to ensure coordination and coherence in policymaking. 58. Many delegations agreed that constitutional guarantees for human rights protection and promotion, as well as participation and inclusion in public life, were essential for sustainable development and poverty reduction. National human rights action plans were instrumental in strengthening human rights protection for vulnerable groups, including migrants, persons living with HIV/AIDS and persons at risk of discrimination because of their sexual orientation. 59. One delegation gave examples of how national policies could be developed with a view to protecting the rights and interests of indigenous peoples and raising public awareness of human rights and fundamental freedoms. There was general agreement on the need, globally, to strengthen measures to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities through appropriate planning of transportation, housing, education and other facilities. 60. Technical assistance in the field of human rights was recognized as pivotal in ensuring the alignment of national policies with international legal norms and commitments. Member States who could afford to do so were encouraged to contribute generously to the Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights and the Voluntary Fund for Financial and Technical Assistance in the implementation of the universal periodic review. It was recognized that OHCHR would need additional funds to be able to help States address capacity and implementation gaps. Assistance in implementing universal periodic review recommendations was deemed particularly important in this regard. 61. One delegation asked the panel to reflect on the main challenges in building human rights indicators systems, and provide best practices of involving civil society in strengthening human rights policies. Another speaker referred to the role of OHCHR in advising the European Union in developing its anti-trafficking policies and in training border guards on how to apply and respect relevant international human rights standards. 62. One national human rights institution underlined the importance of participatory and inclusive processes in the design and implementation of national development plans. Such initiatives also needed to be accompanied by legal reform and institutional strengthening so that policy objectives could be translated into reality for all. 63. A speaker representing civil society expressed concern that, despite technical assistance, some States still failed to establish adequate accountability frameworks and protect human rights defenders from threats and physical attacks. The speaker asked the panel to comment on how States could be made more accountable for realizing human rights beyond the mere enactment of legislation. 64. Another non-governmental organization pointed out that sanctions were often used as excuses by some countries for not living up to their human rights obligations. The speaker asked the panel what steps could be taken if there was a lack of political will on the part of States to respect human rights. IV. Concluding observations 65. Following the second round of comments and questions, the Chair gave the floor to the moderator and the panellists for their concluding observations. Mr. Muntarbhorn, responding to a query about the role of non-State actors in policy development, said that the term was very broad and was often understood to encompass not only civil society, but also the business sector and the media. As the 12