A/HRC/7/9 page 5 (b) To identify recommendations to States, international organizations and other stakeholders regarding possible policy elements to promote and protect human rights in developing countries while implementing debt and economic reform programmes. 6. The independent expert conducted his annual consultation with the World Bank and IMF on 28 and 29 November 2007, in Washington, D.C. He consulted with a wide range of interlocutors involved in human rights-related issues in both institutions. While the independent expert was updated on progress in the implementation of debt relief programmes and poverty reduction strategies supported by both institutions, in-depth discussions were held on the contents of the draft general guidelines. In particular, the independent expert exchanged views on the application of the poverty social impact analysis and on the roles of the inspection panel in the context of implementing economic reform programmes supported by the World Bank. The independent expert also held discussions with IMF staff on efforts to safeguard the poor population and social expenditure during economic reforms. The result of the consultation is reflected in the current draft of the general guidelines. 7. During the reporting period, the independent expert undertook a country mission to Burkina Faso from 23 to 27 April, the report on which is submitted as an addendum to the present report (A/HRC/7/9/Add.1). The independent expert wishes to thank the Government of Burkina Faso and, in particular, the Ministry for the Promotion of Human Rights for the assistance and support provided to the mission and its indispensable coordination role. He also wishes to thank the United Nations country team and all those organizations and individuals who provided valuable information. 8. In compliance with resolution 2005/19 of the Commission on Human Rights, the independent expert submitted a report to the General Assembly (A/62/212). The independent expert was gratified to have had that opportunity to inform the Third Committee of the Assembly about the ongoing process of drafting the general guidelines on a human rights-consistent design and implementation of economic reform policies and foreign debt programmes. His report focused, in particular, on the outcome and recommendations of the above-mentioned expert consultation in Geneva. 9. In his annual report for 2007 (A/HCR/4/10) submitted to the Council, the independent expert retraced the evolution of the mandate over past years and summarized main findings on the human rights impact of recent debt relief initiatives, underlying concepts of debt sustainability and economic reform policies frequently used in poverty reduction strategies. This work inspired the first draft of general guidelines, which was shared with the participants of the above-mentioned expert consultation of July 2007 as a basis for discussion. The present report builds on this earlier work. In particular, it contains an updated version of the key principles that inspire the draft guidelines, reflecting main findings of the mandate and essential comments made during the expert consultation, for the consideration of the Council. In the second part of the report, the independent expert provides general remarks on the nature of the mandate itself and gives suggestions on its possible future framework.