A/HRC/4/91 page 4 I. INTRODUCTION 1. The present report is submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council decision 2/102 of 6 October 2006, requesting the High Commissioner for Human Rights to “continue with the fulfilment of her activities, in accordance with all previous decisions adopted by the Commission on Human Rights and to update the relevant reports and studies”. The present update outlines the progress achieved since the last report to the Commission on Human Rights (E/CN.4/2006/101). II. NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS AND THE OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS 2. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) accords priority to the establishment and strengthening of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) with due regard to the Principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles) (General Assembly resolution 48/134 of 20 December 1993, annex). OHCHR also works for the improvement of United Nations system-wide coordination in the work of NHRIs, and supports increased participation by NHRIs in appropriate United Nations human rights and other international forums. OHCHR also encourages the sharing of best practices among NHRIs, supports the strengthening of their regional networks and facilitates their access to relevant information, round tables, seminars, workshops and training activities. 3. During the reporting period, January-December 2006, OHCHR has sought, through a wide range of activities, to heighten its commitment to supporting the Secretary-General within the Action 2 Initiative in the building of strong NHRIs at the country level through the National Institutions Unit (the NI Unit), located within the Capacity-Building and Field Operations Branch of OHCHR. The Unit has been moderately strengthened with new staff members during 2006 to address the rapidly increasing number of NHRIs, which are expanding their sphere of activities at the national, regional and international levels. 4. NHRIs are seen not only as institutions to which assistance may be provided, but also as partners that can provide important human rights knowledge and experience. They are increasingly recognized by the international community as mechanisms that are essential to ensuring respect for the effective implementation of international human rights standards at the national level. A. Advisory services 5. OHCHR has undertaken to strengthen the role of NHRIs at the global, regional and country levels through the work of the NI Unit, working in consultation with the geographic units and field offices. At their request, tailored advice is provided to a growing number of countries on an appropriate constitutional or legislative framework regarding new NHRIs and on the nature, functions, powers and responsibilities of such institutions. Comparative analyses, technical cooperation needs assessments, project formulation and evaluation missions are also undertaken. Training activities are addressed by OHCHR colleagues, regional representatives