Human Rights Council Advisory Committee

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ADVISORY COMMITTEE CONCLUDES THIRD SESSION
The Human Rights Council Advisory Committee this afternoon concluded its third session during which it adopted six recommendations and its report to the Human Rights Council. Among the recommendations adopted, the Advisory Committee recommended to the Human Rights Council that it request all relevant United Nations bodies, special agencies and programmes, as well as Member States to give due consideration to the principles and guidelines in the formulation and implementation of their policies and measures for persons affected by leprosy and their family members. Read More ...

Establishment

Pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee (hereinafter "the Advisory Committee"), composed of 18 experts, has been established to function as a think-tank for the Council and work at its direction. The Advisory Committee replaces the former Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.

The aim of the nomination procedure of the Committee members, including the technical and objective requirements contained in Council decision 6/102, is to ensure that the best possible expertise is made available to the Council. The function of the Advisory Committee is to provide expertise in the manner and form requested by the Council, focusing mainly on studies and research-based advice. Such expertise shall be rendered only upon the latter's request, in compliance with its resolutions and under its guidance.

The Advisory Committee should be implementation-oriented. The scope of its advice should be limited to thematic issues pertaining to the mandate of the Council; namely promotion and protection of all human rights. The Committee shall not adopt resolutions or decisions, but may propose to the Council, within the scope of its work as set out by the Council, suggestions for further enhancing its procedural efficiency, as well as further research proposals within the scope of the work set out by the Council.

In the performance of its mandate, the Advisory Committee is urged to establish interaction with States, national human rights institutions, non-governmental organizations and other civil society entities in accordance with the modalities of the Council. Member States and observers, including States that are not members of the Council, the specialized agencies, other intergovernmental organizations and national human rights institutions, as well as non-governmental organizations shall be entitled to participate in the work of the Advisory Committee based on arrangements, including Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 and practices observed by the Commission on Human Rights and the Council, while ensuring the most effective contribution of these entities.