A/HRC/15/44 the Council so that the views of the special procedures could be integrated throughout the process. 46. Participants noted the lack of resources available to special procedures and called for increased support from States to enable them to undertake additional activities. They also made clear that national-level NGOs should be supported financially and their capacity strengthened so that the special procedures system could be fully accessible to those who need protection. VIII. Cooperation with human rights treaty bodies 47. A joint meeting between mandate holders and participants of the eleventh InterCommittee meeting focusing on follow-up to the recommendations of human rights mechanisms was led by the respective Chairs. The follow-up procedure of the Committee against Torture was described by the Rapporteur for follow-up to concluding observations of that Committee, while the Special Rapporteurs on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions provided information on the development of follow-up mechanisms in relation to their mandates. 48. The meeting discussed and agreed on recommendations to be implemented jointly. Coordinated and systematic follow-up to the recommendations and conclusions of treaty bodies and special procedures and enhanced collaboration between the two mechanisms were regarded as crucial. Cross-referencing of their recommendations and conclusions was essential for follow-up, as was identifying and sharing priority recommendations and conclusions. Special procedures mandate holders and treaty body experts recalled that the inclusion of their recommendations and conclusions in the universal periodic review had reinforced the weight of their respective recommendations and conclusions. Follow-up could be enhanced by specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound recommendations and conclusions. 49. Participants emphasized the comparative advantages and complementarities of both mechanisms: the flexibility of special procedures, including their capacity for immediate action and to undertake country visits was underlined, as was the cyclical and regular review of States parties’ reports by treaty bodies. Special procedures were encouraged to reiterate treaty bodies’ recommendations during visits. The recommendation of some treaty bodies to invite relevant mandate holders was considered to be a good practice. Participants called for more joint meetings, including briefings. More effective information management of the vast documentation produced by the United Nations human rights mechanisms, including periodic updates and newsletters, as well as greater use of the Universal Human Rights Index was recommended. It was suggested that OHCHR prepare a compilation on good practices of cooperation between treaty bodies and special procedures. 50. Sustained follow-up at both the global and local levels was emphasized as critical to ensure the implementation of recommendations. Responsibility for follow-up rested with the State, and the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly had a responsibility to remind States of that and their human rights obligations. At the local level, stronger linkages with stakeholders were recommended through, inter alia, enhanced dissemination and translation of recommendations, round-table discussions, effective media strategies, and facilitation of visits by treaty body and special procedures experts. Activities by United Nations country teams and OHCHR field offices were considered important in ensuring follow-up. 13

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