A/HRC/7/38 page 6 17. As for the process of selection and appointment of new special procedures mandate-holders, my Office has been given the task of preparing, maintaining and periodically updating a public list of eligible candidates nominated by Governments, regional groups, international and non-governmental organizations, other human rights bodies and individuals. I welcome the enhanced transparency and inclusive nature of the nomination process, as well as the opportunity for a variety of interested stakeholders to put forward candidatures of highly qualified individuals with the required competence and experience in the field of human rights. Moreover, my Office is undertaking a preliminary screening of the nominations received with a view to including in the public list those nominees who meet the technical and objective criteria adopted by the Council, thereby contributing to maintaining a system of special procedures that is rooted in independence, impartiality, integrity, objectivity, expertise and experience. 18. My Office is pleased about the expanded opportunities for interactive dialogue between the Council and the special procedures mandate-holders. Consideration might be given to further enhancing such dialogue and to taking measures to ensure that the dialogue with special procedures at the General Assembly remains fruitful. III. DEVELOPMENTS IN STRATEGIC THEMATIC AREAS 19. Despite the many advances made in recent years in the development of legal standards, in awareness and commitment of the international community and in the increasing recognition that respect for human rights is a precondition for development, peace and security, obstacles to the full realization of human rights remain in the strategic thematic areas identified in the OHCHR Plan of Action. These are impunity, poverty, discrimination, armed conflict and violence, democratic deficits and weak institutions. 20. Impunity for human rights violations is still present in all regions of the world and poses a serious challenge to the pursuit of justice. In post-conflict situations, ongoing impunity makes it difficult to stamp out abusive practices after peace has been restored. 21. In 2006 and 2007, to help end impunity, OHCHR, through its technical cooperation, advisory and advocacy activities, led international efforts to support national protection systems in a variety of ways, such as support for fact-finding or investigation missions and for treaty bodies and special procedures mandate-holders. In November 2006, a decision by the Policy Committee of the Secretary-General on the rule of law entrusted OHCHR with leading United Nations initiatives on transitional justice, both in the field and at the international level. In 2006 and 2007, OHCHR developed nine tools in the field of transitional justice, on issues such as truth commissions, prosecution initiatives, amnesties and vetting. My Office also plans a tenth tool, on the issue of preservation of national archives, and will give strong emphasis to its work on the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms as an essential component in the fight against impunity. 22. As the United Nations focal point for human rights, democracy and the rule of law, OHCHR has promoted recognition of the connection between human rights and poverty. My Office has deepened its expertise and committed its substantive support to human rights mechanisms and other bodies dealing with these issues, including the high-level task force and