A/HRC/12/27 page 4 I. INTRODUCTION 1. In his first report (E/CN.4/2006/96), the independent expert, analysed his mandate pursuant to resolution 2005/55 of the Commission on Human Rights, set out an approach to the mandate and a methodology, and identified specific areas of focus in international solidarity, namely, international cooperation, global responses to natural disasters, agricultural pests and diseases, and third-generation rights. 2. In its resolution 6/3, the Human Rights Council urged the international community to consider urgently concrete measures to promote and consolidate international assistance to developing countries in their endeavours for development and for the promotion of conditions that made the full realization of all human rights possible. The Council also took into account the urgent need to further develop guidelines, standards, norms and principles with a view to promoting and protecting the right of peoples and individuals to international solidarity. 3. In his second report (A/HRC/4/8), the independent expert elaborated on three areas of focus. Practical examples were provided of specific considerations and priority areas that should be taken into account when dealing with these concerns. The independent expert defined international solidarity as the union of interests or purpose among the countries of the world and social cohesion between them, based upon the dependence of States and other international actors on each other, in order to preserve the order and very survival of international society, and in order to achieve collective goals that require international cooperation and joint action. The independent expert viewed the definition as not limited to the actions of States and emphasized that the term “global solidarity” was broader, as it encompassed the relationship of solidarity between States and other actors, such as international organizations, and civil society. 4. In its resolution 7/5, the Council reiterated that the independent expert should seek views and contributions from Governments, United Nations agencies, other relevant international organizations and non-governmental organizations in the discharge of his mandate. 5. In his third report (A/HRC/9/10), the independent expert analysed further the concept of international cooperation and highlighted the preliminary steps to be taken towards preparing a draft declaration on the right of peoples and individuals to international solidarity. He included a draft questionnaire to be sent to States, international organizations and non-governmental organizations. 6. In its resolution 9/2, the Council again urged the international community to consider urgently concrete measures to promote and consolidate international assistance to developing countries in their development endeavours and for the promotion of conditions conducive to the full realization of all human rights. 7. Considering it important to make incremental progress towards the establishment of the legal framework of international solidarity and cooperation, in the present report, the independent expert analyses the concept of international solidarity as a principle of international human rights law, reviews international solidarity in relation to the eradication of poverty, and considers international solidarity in the context of key areas of focus, global responses to natural