A/HRC/7/69
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national level through the strengthening of the capacity of the following three main target
groups: NHRIs, NGOs and the media. The activities are designed to enhance participation of
these actors in the reporting process, as well as to encourage the use of international human
rights instruments and treaty body recommendations in their respective areas of work as a tool to
further the promotion and protection of human rights. In 2007, NHRIs and other stakeholders
from Indonesia, the Philippines and Guyana benefited from this project through preparatory
workshops. As revealed by follow-up activities, workshops conducted since 2003 have
effectively led to the strengthening of national capacity to implement human rights treaty body
recommendations, with NHRIs playing an increasing role in this context.
62. On 20 June 2007, the ICC Bureau participated in the Sixth Inter-Committee meeting of the
human rights treaty bodies. The focus of discussion was the outcome document of the round
table organized by the German Institute for Human Rights in Berlin, on 23 and
24 November 2006 (HRI/MC/2007/3). This document contains a draft harmonized approach to
NHRI engagement with treaty body processes, proposing that NHRIs be involved in the
processes of State reporting, follow-up to treaty body recommendations, capacity-building at the
national level with regard to the reporting process, as well as petitions and enquiry procedures.
Treaty body members responded positively to NHRI participation in treaty body processes.
63. From 26 to 28 November 2007, OHCHR organized in Geneva the National Institutions and
Treaty Bodies Workshop (see Annex IX) with the objective to review lessons learned and best
practices in terms of NHRI interaction with treaty bodies; to build the capacity of NHRIs in their
interaction with treaty bodies, including follow-up action; and to deepen the relationship between
NHRIs and treaty bodies in line with the draft harmonized approach on the role of NHRIs in the
treaty body process. NHRIs from all geographical regions participated, as well as treaty body
members. The Secretary-General welcomes the organization and the outcomes of the Berlin and
Geneva events, which strengthen and emphasize the importance of the involvement of NHRIs in
treaty body process.
64. In 2007, the NIU of OHCHR addressed several sessions of the treaty bodies, including the
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Optional Protocol to the Convention
against Torture and Sub-Committee on Prevention, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination, and the Human Rights Committee. This provided useful interaction possibilities,
including highlighting the importance of the involvement of NHRIs in the reporting process to
treaty bodies.
65. In 2007, several NHRIs made statements and provided reports to treaty bodies in relation
to the consideration of reports submitted by their respective countries - France, Bolivia, Croatia,
Georgia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway and the Republic of Korea.
Special procedures
66. NHRIs can be instrumental in the work of special procedure mandate holders, specifically
with regard to country visits (preparation; meetings during the visit; follow up to
recommendations); letters of allegations or early warning; participation in and organization of
thematic studies, conferences and seminars; and interaction in international forums such as the
Human Rights Council or the Annual Meeting of Special Procedure mandate holders.
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