A/HRC/5/21 page 14 III. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ADVISORY COMMITTEE 65. The Human Rights Council Advisory Committee (hereinafter “the Advisory Committee”), composed of 18 experts serving in their personal capacity, will function as a think-tank for the Council and work at its direction. The establishment of this subsidiary body and its functioning will be executed according to the guidelines stipulated below. A. Nomination 66. All Member States of the United Nations may propose or endorse candidates from their own region. When selecting their candidates, States should consult their national human rights institutions and civil society organizations and, in this regard, include the names of those supporting their candidates. 67. The aim is to ensure that the best possible expertise is made available to the Council. For this purpose, technical and objective requirements for the submission of candidatures will be established and approved by the Council at its sixth session (first session of the second cycle). These should include: (a) Recognized competence and experience in the field of human rights; (b) High moral standing; (c) Independence and impartiality. 68. Individuals holding decision-making positions in Government or in any other organization or entity which might give rise to a conflict of interest with the responsibilities inherent in the mandate shall be excluded. Elected members of the Committee will act in their personal capacity. 69. The principle of non-accumulation of human rights functions at the same time shall be respected. B. Election 70. The Council shall elect the members of the Advisory Committee, in secret ballot, from the list of candidates whose names have been presented in accordance with the agreed requirements. 71. The list of candidates shall be closed two months prior to the election date. The Secretariat will make available the list of candidates and relevant information to member States and to the public at least one month prior to their election. 72. Due consideration should be given to gender balance and appropriate representation of different civilizations and legal systems.