Human Rights Council Decision 6/102. Follow-up to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1

At its 20th meeting, on 27 September 2007, the Human Rights Council decided to adopt, without a vote:

"I. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR THE PREPARATION OF INFORMATION UNDER THE UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW "Reaffirming the relevant provisions, related to the universal periodic review, of General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006 and of Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007 containing the institution-building package, the Council adopts the following General Guidelines: A. Description of the methodology and the broad consultation process followed for the preparation of information provided under the universal periodic review; B. Background of the country under review and framework, particularly normative and institutional framework, for the promotion and protection of human rights: constitution, legislation, policy measures, national jurisprudence, human rights infrastructure including national human rights institutions and scope of international obligations identified in the "basis of review" in resolution 5/1, annex, section IA; C. Promotion and protection of human rights on the ground: implementation of international human rights obligations identified in the "basis of review" in resolution 5/1, annex, section IA, national legislation and voluntary commitments, national human rights institutions activities, public awareness of human rights, cooperation with human rights mechanisms ...;

D. E.

Identification of achievements, best practices, challenges and constraints; Key national priorities, initiatives and commitments that the State concerned intends to undertake to overcome those challenges and constraints and improve human rights situations on the ground;

F.

Expectations of the State concerned in terms of capacity-building and requests, if any, for technical assistance;

G.

Presentation by the State concerned of the follow-up to the previous review.

II. TECHNICAL AND OBJECTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES FOR MANDATE HOLDERS A. Background According to resolution 5/1, "the following general criteria will be of paramount importance while nominating, selecting and appointing mandate holders: (a) expertise; (b) experience in the field of the mandate; (c) independency; (d) impartiality; (e) personal integrity; (f) objectivity". Due consideration should be given to gender balance as well as to appropriate representation of different legal systems. "Eligible candidates are highly qualified individuals who possess established competence, relevant expertise and extensive professional experience in the field of human rights" (paras. 39-41). B. General aspects 1. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human

Rights has the responsibility to "immediately prepare, maintain and periodically update a public list of eligible candidates in a standardized format". The list shall include "personal data, areas of expertise and professional experience" (resolution 5/1, para. 43). 2. The Secretariat may provide a standardized form, on the basis of the

technical and objective requirements stipulated below, for candidates to fill in, and

shall allow for highlighting any expertise they possess in specific areas, so as to facilitate the selection of relevant candidacies from the roster as soon as appointments for particular mandates are necessary. 3. The data and information provided by the candidates shall be

substantiated by appropriate written credentials to be annexed to the curricula vitae. 4. "A consultative group would be established to propose to the President,

at least one month before the beginning of the session in which the Council would consider the selection of mandate holders, a list of candidates who possess the highest qualifications for the mandates in question and meet the general criteria and practical requirements" (resolution 5/1, para. 47). C. Technical and objective requirements The following should be considered: 1. Qualifications: relevant educational qualifications or equivalent

professional experience in the field of human rights; good communication skills in one of the official languages of the United Nations. 2. Relevant expertise: knowledge of international human rights

instruments, norms and principles; as well as knowledge of institutional mandates related to the United Nations or other international or regional organizations' work in the area of human rights; proven work experience in the field of human rights. 3. Established competence: nationally, regionally or internationally

recognized competence related to human rights. 4. Flexibility/readiness and availability of time to perform effectively the

functions of the mandate and to respond to its requirements, including attending Human Rights Council sessions.

III. ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL Technical and objective requirements for the submission of candidatures Mandate: In conformity with resolution 5/1, the technical and objective requirements for the submission of candidatures will be established and approved by the Human Rights Council at its sixth session (first session of the second cycle). These should include: - Recognized competence and experience in the field of human rights; - High moral standing; - Independence and impartiality. When selecting their candidates, States should consult their national human rights institutions and civil society organizations and apply the following guidelines on technical and objective requirements for the submission of their candidates: A. Competence and experience - Academic studies in the field of human rights or related areas and/or experience and exposure to leadership roles in the human rights field at the national, regional, or international level; - Substantial experience (at least five years) and personal contributions in the field of human rights; - Knowledge of the United Nations system and of institutional mandates and policies related to the work in the area of human rights, as well as knowledge of international human rights instruments, norms, disciplines, and familiarity with different legal systems and civilizations will be preferable; - Proficiency in at least one of the United Nations official languages; - Availability of time to fulfil the work of the Advisory Committee in an effective manner, both to attend its sessions and to carry out mandated activities between sessions.

B. High moral standing C. Independence and impartiality Individuals holding decision-making positions in Government or any other organization or entity which might give rise to a conflict of interest with responsibilities inherent to the mandate shall be excluded. Elected members of the Advisory Committee will act in their personal capacity. D. Other considerations The principle of non-accumulation of human rights functions at the same time shall be respected. In electing members of the Advisory Committee, the Council should give due consideration to gender balance and appropriate representation of different civilizations and legal systems."

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