A/HRC/16/26 A draft bill to establish such a commission was developed but has not yet been promulgated into law. With reference to a request from the Government, OHCHR plans to provide technical support for the organization of national consultations and training for the members of the proposed Commission. 46. In addition to supporting the National Democracy and Human Rights Monitoring Body, OHCHR-Guinea is assisting the Government in the preparation of a draft law on the establishment of an independent national human rights commission in accordance with the Paris Principles. 47. In order to support national authorities’ efforts to combat impunity, the Office funded Lawyers without Borders (Avocats sans frontières ASF Guinea), a local NGO, to provide pro bono legal aid to people prosecuted for their alleged involvement in the September 2009 clashes in Conakry. The trials took place in various courts in Conakry and ended with the release of all but a few detainees who were convicted of various offences. 48. With regards to the elections, OHCHR trained 188 members of civil society to monitor human rights before, during and after the elections. The first round of training was held in Conakry from 10 to 15 June 2010. For the run-off of the elections, OHCHR trained 180 human rights monitors from 6 to 14 September 2010 in Conakry, Labé, Mamou, Faranah, Kankan and Nzérékoré. The training was aimed at reinforcing the capacity of the civil society to monitor and investigate human rights violations during the electoral process, spread the OHCHR information-gathering network throughout the country and to establish an effective early warning system in the electoral context. Based on the experience gained from the presidential elections, the Office will continue its work in this field during the forthcoming legislative elections. 49. The Government of Guinea has requested OHCHR assistance in drafting a national plan of action to implement the recommendations from the universal periodic review adopted by the Human Rights Council at its fifteenth session in September 2010. In that regard, the Office has worked closely with the Directorate for Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of the Ministry of Justice on the follow-up to the universal periodic review recommendations. In October 2010, in collaboration with a local NGO, the National Coalition for Human Rights Organizations (Coalition nationale des organisations de défense des droits de l’homme, CODDH), OHCHR organized a workshop in Conakry to disseminate the recommendations adopted by Guinea. VI. Conclusions and recommendations 50. Guinea has undergone an important political transition over the last year and a good foundation has been laid to improve the human right situation in the country. On 7 May 2010, the National Transitional Council adopted the new Constitution, with very extensive provisions devoted to freedoms, duties and fundamental rights (arts. 5– 25). The Constitution provides for the establishment of an independent national human rights commission. Draft legislation on the establishment of a national human rights commission is being discussed with national stakeholders. 51. The new President appealed for national unity and reconciliation and issued several pronouncements affirming his Government’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. During his inauguration on 21 December 2010, he committed to establishing a truth and reconciliation commission to deal with past human rights violations and ensure accountability. 52. These positive developments provide opportunities for strengthening national capacities in the field human rights in Guinea. However, serious concerns remain, in 12