A/HRC/7/69 page 53 Annex IX WORKSHOP OF NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS AND TREATY BODIES Geneva, 26-28 November 2007 Conclusions Introduction 1. Representatives of nine National Human Rights Institutions met with members of four UN human rights Treaty Bodies on 26-28 November in Geneva to deepen the discussion that was started in Berlin in November 2006 on the interaction of NHRIs and UN human rights Treaty Bodies and review current practices. 2. The NHRIs present all had recent experience of engaging with the UN human rights Treaty Body process. They were from Germany, Guatemala, Ireland, Kenya, Mauritius, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa and South Korea. Members of treaty bodies present were from the Human Rights Committee (3), the Committee Against Torture (2), the OPCAT Subcommittee on Prevention (1) and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (3). Also present were staff of OHCHR, an expert from Bristol University (UK) and representatives of NGOs, including the Association for the Prevention of Torture and the International Human Rights Service. Role of NHRIs 3. It was noted that NHRIs play three distinct roles: at the national, regional and international levels. While NHRIs are the key element of strong national human rights protection systems, the international role is critically important. The more NHRI’s are able to contribute information to, participate actively in the international human rights system, and follow up to their recommendations, the more they enhance and strengthen their national position. NHRIs and UN human rights Treaty Bodies are natural partners in the protection and promotion of human rights. 4. The ICC Sub-Committee on Accreditation acknowledged this international role of NHRIs in a General Observation at its meeting in October 2007. It specifically “highlights the importance for NHRIs to engage with the international human rights system – in particular the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms (Special Procedures Mandate Holders) and the United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies. This means generally NHRIs making an input to, participating in these human rights mechanisms, and following up at the national level to the recommendations resulting from the international human rights system”. 5. The importance of NHRIs engaging with Indigenous Peoples as part of their involvement in treaty body processes was emphasised.