icc progress report july to dec 2014 - ganhri - nhri -...

INTERNATIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE OFNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS FOR THE PROMOTION AND

PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS (ICC)

ICC Progress Report1 July 2014 - 31 December 2014

IntroductionThis ICC Progress Report covers ICC activities undertaken during the period 1 July to 31 December 2014.

Purpose of the report This ICC Progress Report reports against the 3 year ICC Strategic Plan 2014-2016 and 2014 Implementation Plan, The report sets out the ICC’s activities during this period, thereby laying the basis to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the ICC Strategic Plan and Implementation Plan.

1. The ICC Progress Report reflects on the Record of Decisions and the extent to which these decisions have been implemented.

2. The ICC Progress Report identifies highlights and challenges that will in turn identify further matters for discussion at the upcoming ICC Bureau meeting on 11 March 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland.

3. Finally, this ICC Progress Report lays the basis for and provides content for the first ICC Annual Report.

HIGHLIGHTS: STRATEGIC GOAL 1 - Enhancing ICC engagement with international and regional human rights mechanisms to strengthen awareness raising about the ICC and NHRIs

1. UN engagement at Geneva The first meeting between the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and National Independent Monitoring Mechanisms (IMM) designated under Article 33.2 of UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) took place on 25th September 2014 and was a highlight during this period. The meeting preparations required substantial coordination and liaison and provided an opportunity for the ICC to engage with its’ meeting partners including: CRPD Secretariat, OHCHR, United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG), International Telecommunications Union (ITU), International Disability Alliance (IDA),Council of Europe (CoE), liaising with NHRIs and IMMs and coordination of logistics. The meeting was ground-breaking in its structure as remote participation in real-time allowed many participants from around the world to contribute to the discussions. This was a first in the history of UN conferencing.

Another significant highlight during the reporting period was the adoption, without a vote during the 27th Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) of the fourth HRC Resolution on NHRIs led by Australia. The Resolution acknowledges the fact that NHRIs or individuals who cooperate with them should not face reprisals and the important role NHRIs can play in preventing and addressing cases of reprisal. Whilst this language and the adoption by consensus is an important achievement, the inclusion of language on reprisals in the Resolution led to a consultation process more vigorous than in other occasions which involved increased efforts by the ICC including through the ICC Chairperson,

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Geneva Representative and its members worldwide in obtaining cross-regional support. It can be noted that the number of co-sponsors is less than in previous years. Prior to the adoption of the Resolution, two UN Member States issued statements voicing strong reservations with regards to the Resolution. Going forward it will be important to monitor developments, particularly with regard to States' stance about ICC/NHRI standing at the HRC.

The Secretary-General's reports on NHRIs and the ICC accreditation process at the Council were presented by the Deputy High Commissioner together with a series of other reports and a few States commented on the reports.

The Committee on Enforced Disappearances (Committee) adopted at its 7th Session (15 to 26 September 2014) a key document to clarify and further develop the relationship between the Committee and national human rights institutions (NHRIs). The document, entitled the Relationship of the Committee on Enforced Disappearances with National Human Rights Institutions, is the result of a wide consultative and cooperative process between the Committee and NHRIs from around the globe, coordinated and informed by the ICC.

2. UN engagement in New YorkNoting the importance of NHRIs’ contribution to the post-2015 development agenda, the ICC submitted an open letter and statement to the UN Secretary-General. The submission identified the role that NHRIs could play in the development of the post-2015 development agenda and its implementation thereafter. In addition, the statement provides for a common position for NHRIs with respect to the sustainable development goals. The ICC Bureau at its meeting in October resolved to establish an ICC Working Group. The ICC Secretary Prof Alan Miller and Alan Lerberg from the Danish Institute for Human Rights will take the lead in the establishment of this new ICC Working Group in order to galvanise ICC/NHRIs involvement in the post-2015 process.

STRATEGIC GOAL 2 - Build partnerships and engage external stakeholders1. Outreach to partners

The ICC was invited to participate in the OHCHR review of its work with National Human Rights Institutions. The ICC will participate in the evaluation process as a member of the Reference group that has been constituted with representatives from OHCHR and other external stakeholders. The Reference Group will serve in an advisory capacity to help strengthen the evaluation’s substantive grounding and its relevance to OHCHR. The main purpose of the evaluation is to assess OHCHR’s support to NHRIs on the achievement of institutional, legislative or behavioural changes on human rights issues, in terms of effectiveness, impact orientation, sustainability and gender equality mainstreaming. Based on the Bureau decision, the ICC will be represented in the Reference Group by ICC Secretary and Chairperson of the Scottish Human Rights Commission, Prof Alan Miller the Director of the Danish Institute for Human Rights, Dr Jonas Christoffersen and Dr Gabriela Ramirez del Mar, the Ombudsperson of Venezuela.

2. Outreach to key stakeholdersThis has been a busy and vibrant area of work for the ICC. The September 2014 meeting with the CRPD Committee provided a number of opportunities to strengthen relationships with key role-players including the Committee itself, various UN Unit and disability organisations. In addition, there

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is ongoing work with Child Rights Connect to explore the enhancement of the ICC and NHRIs capacity to address children’s rights. There continues to be cooperation with UNITAR and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) in relation to the NHRI training and the relationship with Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) is set to strengthen with the appointment of a designated NHRI staff member within that organisation.

3. Outreach to Regional Coordinating CommitteesThe ICC Chair distributed two e-Newsletters during this period in order to strengthen communications between the ICC, the regions and NHRIs. .

Regional and sub-regional meetings in Africa and Asia were attended as well as a number of important conferences in Morocco, Denmark and Qatar; providing opportunities for engagement with a number of ICC members.

STRATEGIC GOAL 3 - Maintain and strengthen ICC accreditation processes (additional information supplemented by the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) Report)

1. NHRI preparation assistance During this period the ICC provided advice and assistance on the upcoming reviews in respect of Korea, Morocco and Great Britain; the implementation of SCA recommendations in respect of Kazakhstan and Germany.

2. SCA meetings The scheduled SCA session took place from 27 to 31 October 2014 and the report is available on the ICC website.

3. Development of General observationsNo general observations were scheduled for development during this period.

4. Accreditation Awareness RaisingAt its meeting in October 2014, the ICC Bureau noting the number of matters being raised in relation to the ICC accreditation process decided that there was need to provide greater clarity and where necessary solutions to matters that have arisen relating to accreditation. As a result, the ICC Bureau decided to hold an Accreditation Roundtable prior to the next ICC Bureau and General Meeting in March 2015.

STRATEGIC GOAL 4 - To develop a sustainable and well managed ICC

1. ICC meetings A successful ICC Bureau meeting, hosted by the South African Human Rights Commission was held in Johannesburg on 16 and 17 October 2014 and preparations commenced for the upcoming 28th ICC General meeting to be held in Geneva in March 2015.

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2. Membership The collection of membership fees proceeded smoothly and by the end of December 2014 a record 53/71 A-status NHRIs had paid their membership fees. This was preceded by a number of interventions including regional chairpersons being requested to contact the defaulting members in their regions in order to establish the reasons for non-payment.

The ICC continues to provide assistance to any NHRI that is under threat or facing difficult circumstances. During this period, the most notable interventions were the assistance provided to the Human Rights Commission of Palestine in relation to the conflict situation in Gaza and to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives where Commissioners were charged with high treason for submitting an UPR report to the United Nations.

3. FinancesFollowing approval by the ICC Bureau, the ICC Chairperson appointed a new ICC Accountant, Mr Yves Lieberherr, CEO of the Geneva-based Accountancy Firm CBI Group, who was selected by a team comprised of the ICC Chairperson, the Chairperson of the ICC Finance Committee, represented by Mr Nabor Carrillo Flores, Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Human Rights of Mexico and ICC staff after a thorough selection process. Prior to this, the ICC Chairperson had submitted to the Bureau a detailed report evaluating the services of the previous ICC accountant.

A budget for 2015 has been drafted and adopted by the ICC Bureau and the necessary arrangements were made for the audit of the 2014 books of account. The ICC continues to pursue clarification regarding its tax exemption status within Switzerland.

4. Fundraising During this period, the ICC finalised its 2013 UN Grant Agreement and received the outstanding USD 5, 000. In addition, a new UN Grant Agreement in the amount of USD 25,000 was successfully applied for and these monies will go specifically towards the ICC Communications Project. The ICC wishes to acknowledge the support that has been provided by NIRMS in assisting and advising on the reporting and application process.

The ICC is pleased to announce that FES confirmed funding for the second NHRI face-to-face training in 2015 following the success of the first training which was held in May 2014. Considerable amount of time has been given to the development of this NHRI training. This includes in cooperation with United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in the development of an e-learning NHRI training course on international human rights mechanisms.

There have been further developments with the EU funding, with this funding being agreed in principle. Early in 2015 additional work will commence in terms of identifying and developing the programmes for implementation.

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The ICC Bureau resolved to approve the establishment of an ICC fundraising Task team which will guide and assist the ICC to develop and implement a fundraising strategy to enhance the ICC’s financial sustainability.

5. Human resources Capacity at Geneva office

Following approval by the ICC Bureau and a recruitment process, the ICC Chairperson appointed the ICC Assistant Geneva Representative Ms Agnès Gràcia Corberó ([email protected]) for a fixed term contract for a period of 12 months. She commenced her duties on 1 August 2014 and this has increased the much needed capacity to run the ICC both at the Geneva level and its operations generally.

As an organisation the ICC is largely dependent on the voluntary human resource contributions of its members in order to sustain itself. This is due to the ICCs’ income remaining reliant on annual subscriptions being paid by approximately 70% of members, the number of members increasing very slowly year on year and subscriptions fees not being increased. Currently the ICC employs one full time staff member and one fixed term full time employee at its Head Office in Geneva. Given the current situation in which funds are not available to employ additional ICC staff, the ICC Chairperson as mandated by the ICC Bureau will continue to consider ways to enhance the capacity of the Geneva Office including the possibility of providing internship and fellowship opportunities for young graduates and staff of NHRIs.

6. Administration and technology Communications Project

The ICC Bureau at its meeting in October 2014 approved the appointment of a consultant to consider and advise on an ICC Communications Strategy. The consultancy, Neil Gaught and Associates was appointed and will commence the Project in January 2015. It is anticipated that the Project will run for a period of 6 months.

The Bureau confirmed the Implementation Plan for 2015 which is available on the ICC webpage.

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mailto:[email protected]



STRATEGIC GOAL 1Enhancing ICC engagement with international and regional human rights mechanisms to strengthen awareness raising about

the ICC and NHRIsActivity Report

UN engagement Geneva(e.g. Human Rights Council;Universal Periodic Review;Annual Meeting of Special Procedures;Annual Meeting of Treaty Bodies;Treaty Body Meetings)

HRC 21st Special Session: Human Rights Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, 23 July 2014Particular logistical and strategic support was extended to NHRI Palestine in order to maximise its participation at this event and a meeting with the High Commissioner on 23 July 2014 to discuss the situation in Gaza and support required. An additional meeting was held with the NGO, the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) to discuss ratification of the OPCAT and the establishment of a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) in Palestine.

Human Rights Council (HRC) 27th regular session, 8-26 September 2014The ICC prepared - including with the support of individual NHRIs - and delivered four HRC statements:

i. ICC Statement on the rights of indigenous people-initial draft prepared by NHRI Malaysiaii. ICC Statement on Secretary-General’s reports on NHRIs and the ICC accreditation processi. ICC Statement on the Update from the High Commissioner for Human Rights

ii. ICC Statement on the 1st Annual Report of the Independent Expert on the full enjoyment of all human rights of older persons

The ICC provided assistance and promoted NHRI participation at the HRC session including by:i. Contacting more than 20 NHRIs from all regions, as well as regional coordinators, and maintained regular, often daily,

communications with them throughout August and September, to advise about reports and engagement opportunities with the HRC 27 session and to assist where so required. This included liaising with Special Procedures (SP) mandate holders and the OHCHR on specific reports, attending and organising meetings, and liaison with NGOs and state representatives.

ii. Coordinating the consultation process of the joint NHRI statement on sexual orientation.iii. Participating in daily meetings of the HRC and meetings on draft resolutionsiv. Providing logistical support to NHRIs attending the HRC session and coordinating the delivery of NHRI oral and written

statementsv. Contributing to the development of the High Commissioner’s statement to the panel on the Role of Prevention in the

Promotion and Protection of Human Rights during the HRC 27 held on 18 September 2014. vi. Contributing to the development of NIRMS Information Note for NHRI participation in the HRC 27.

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vii. Attending the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) side event on reprisals.viii. Attending the meeting between the HRC President, Amb. Baudelaire Ndong Ella and NGOs to which the ICC was invited, 19

September 2014.

Engagement highlights from HRC session include: i. Attendance at the panel discussion on “The role of prevention in the promotion and protection of human rights” with the

participation of Ms. Sima Samar, Chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, as a panellist; ii. attendance at the side-event on the OHCHR Launch of the web resource - "The Right to Human Rights Education", at which Ms

Fiona Murphy from the Irish Human Rights Commission spoke; iii. Attendance and participation together with the Independent Commission for Human Rights, Palestine at a side-event on human

rights violations in the Gaza strip during the Israeli military operation “Protective edge” and measures to pursue war criminals; iv. Assisting in the arrangement of a meeting between Ukrainian Commissioner and UN Field Operations and Technical Cooperation

Division (FOTCD), Chief of Branch Gianni Magazzeni to discuss the human rights situation in Ukraine;

A more detailed report concerning the ICC’s engagement in this Human Rights Council session and NHRI statements are available on the ICC webpage: http://nhri.ohchr.org/EN/IHRS/HumanRightsCouncil/27/Pages/default.aspx

Outreach activities yielded positive results at HRC 27with a total of 22 NHRI contributions being made by A-status NHRIs from across the four ICC regional groups in Council plenary meetings, presentation of oral statements, video statements and written submissions.

Examples of contributions were made on substantive issues include: older persons; contemporary forms of slavery; water and sanitation; arbitrary detention; enforced disappearances; rights of indigenous peoples; protection of human rights of persons deprived of liberty; efforts to end violence against children; sexual orientation and gender identity; the situation in the Ukraine; implications of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT); UPR (see further information beneath under UPR concerning these statements); and the 2014 Secretary-General’s report on NHRIs and the ICC accreditation process.

Out of the nine A-status NHRIs concerned by Special Procedures and Country Mission Reports during HRC27, five NHRIs contributed to the interactive dialogue with Special Procedures.

Proposals for ICC engagement at the HRC 28 have been prepared and will be implemented in early 2015.

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NHRI Statements to the HRCThe NHRI of Ukraine delivered a statement to the HRC during the panel on children in armed conflict and the human rights situation in Ukraine (OHCHR Report, item 10). Due to the ongoing conflict in the area and wishing to avoid a possible point of order the NHRI consulted with the ICC, including with the Regional Chair for Europe and Regional Coordinator, and with NIRMS on the content of the statements. The statements were delivered without incidents against the NHRI. However, whilst the Chairperson presented the statement, she was filmed by members from a state delegation. The filming resulted in a formal complaint filed with the HRC President from another member state against the state whose representatives where filming.

Engagement with High Commissioner for Human Rights In September 2014, the ICC Chairperson, met with the newly appointed High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein. The ICC Chairperson also sent a letter of appreciation to the outgoing High Commissioner Ms Navi Pillay and a welcoming and introductory letter to the new High Commissioner.

Engagement with the Human Rights Council PresidentThe ICC Chairperson and ICC Staff paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Human Rights Council, H.E. Baudelaire Ndong Ella (Permanent Representative of Gabon) on 17 September 2014.

Engagement with the HRC SecretariatThe ICC held discussions with the HRC Secretariat on the developments around the NHRI Resolution, in particular: questions raised by some States with regard to ICC/NHRI participation in the HRC and rules of procedures. The ICC also held a meeting with Germany's Permanent Mission and discussed Germany's upcoming HRC Presidency and cooperation with the ICC including support for ICC advocacy in New York ; national level developments regarding the status of the German Institute for Human Rights (in consultation with the German Institute); and developments at the HRC including possible HRC review and agreed to play a supportive role for NHRIs both in Geneva and New York.Human Rights Council Organisational SessionThe ICC attended the organisational session of the HRC on 8 December 2014 where the new President and Bureau of the Council were elected. Ambassador Joachim Ruecker, Permanent Representative of Germany, was elected to serve as the President. The Council appointed as Bureau members: Filloreta Kodra of Albania, Juan Esteban Aguirre Martinez of Paraguay, Mukhtar Tileuberdi of Kazakhstan and Mothusi Bruce Rabasha Palai of Botswana (role of rapporteur).

Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 20th session, 27October-7 November 2014The ICC provided support to NHRIs whose States had a UPR report adopted at the HRC27 these included the NHRIs of: Costa Rica,

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Portugal, Albania, Qatar, Nicaragua and Kenya. Three out of five NHRIs who’s State had a UPR report being adopted contributed with an oral statement (Albania, Portugal and Qatar).

The NHRIs of Kenya, Bolivia and Guatemala benefited from UPR advice from the ICC during this period and the NHRI of Great Britain’s (EHRC) short story on its experience in UPR mid-term reporting was uploaded on the ICC webpage for greater visibility among other NHRIs and other stakeholders – see http://nhri.ohchr.org/EN/News/Lists/News/DispForm.aspx?ID=157&ContentTypeId=0x0104006A3D2D731523E24B9C932DE5D6E5EDFF

Additional UPR related activities included: consultation and coordination with FES and NHRI Jordan on its participation in the FES workshop on UPR in Amman; attendance at UPR meetings and a side event on the human rights situation in Kazakhstan A meeting was held with CSO representatives from Fiji to receive updates on the establishment of an NHRI in Fiji following the State’s UPR review.

Human Rights Committee (ICCPR)Engagement with the Human Rights Committee continued and support was provided to NHRIs where required. A meeting was held with a Committee member and NHRI Mauritius in October to discuss developments at the Committee and within the ICC. A meeting was also held with the Human Rights Committee Secretary to provide an update on NHRI engagement at the Committee’s session. The ICC contacted NHRIs with respect to the upcoming session (16 March-2 April 2015) to provide information, advice and assistance. As a result the NHRI of Greece submitted reports to the Committee and others may follow.

Committee on Economic and Social Cultural Rights (CESCR)The ICC reached out to NHRIs regarding engagement with the CESCR.

Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) 85th session August 2014The ICC attended the opening of the 85th Session on 11 August 2014 and the CERD interactive dialogues with the States of El Salvador and Peru.

Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) In July 2014, the ICC participated in a meeting between CEDAW and the NHRI Georgia on the CEDAW Day of General Discussion on Girls and Education. The ICC consulted with the CEDAW Secretariat, NIRMS and APF regarding the participation of the NHRI Hong Kong at the CEDAW session. Finally, follow ups were made with relevant NHRIs to submit contributions in respect of the upcoming CEDAW session.

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Committee Against Torture (CAT)In July 2014, a meeting was held with the CAT and the Special Rapporteur on Torture, Juan Mendez. Coordination and assistance continued to be provided to NHRIs.; such as arranging meetings for the Malaysian and New Zealand NHRI delegations; briefing the Banglasdesh NHRI on updates and upcoming opportunities, and arranging a meeting between this NHRI and Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) to discuss future opportunities for engagement regarding OPCAT ratification and the establishment of a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM).

In October 2014, the NHRIs of Lithuania, Australia and Kazakhstan was provided advice on its country’s upcoming CAT review and possibilities for NHRI participation, with the latter being placed in contact with APT to receive further information. On 4 November 2014, the ICC attended the 30th Anniversary of the Convention against Torture and the session on the examination of Croatia; providing feedback to the NHRI thereafter.

Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC)The ICC met with the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) Secretariat to discuss NHRI engagement with the Committee. It was agreed that the Secretariat would in future include the ICC in correspondence with NHRIs in order for the ICC to conduct follow-up and encourage NHRI engagement in the CRC process. In turn, the ICC provided the CRC Secretariat with the current accreditation status of NHRIs in order to ensure that all relevant NHRIs from countries being reviewed in 2015 are contacted by the Secretariat.

The ICC continued to provide support to NHRIs with respect to engagement with the CRC. For instance a meeting with Child Rights Connect and the Kenyan NHRI Deputy Chair and NGOs was held to discuss and provide advice for the country’s upcoming examination. Flowing therefrom, the Kenyan NHRI has decided to consider submitting a report in consultation with national civil society. Follow up with Iraqi NHRI revealed that this institution was submitting a written contribution on its State’s examination.

The ICC attended the 25th Anniversary of the Convention of the Rights of the Child organized by the Committee and the NGO, Child Rights Connect on 20 November 2014. This created a networking opportunity to enhance collaboration with the Committee members and Sec-retariat.

Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

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On 15 September 2014, the ICC attended the Opening Session of the 12th session of the CRPD Committee and the ICC Chairperson delivered a statement.

The ICC continued to actively engage with the CRPD in order to explore and enhance cooperation between the Committee and NHRIs. Following on conclusions of its session held in March 2014, the Committee in conjunction with the ICC held a successful first meeting on 25 September 2014 between NHRIs & National Independent Monitoring Mechanisms under article 33.2 of the UNCRPD and the Committee. It was cosponsored by UNOG, ITU and the OHCHR. The meeting was ground-breaking in its use of web-based video technology in which participants were able to contribute to the proceedings remotely and in real-time. This was the first time that UN conferencing used technology in this manner. The ICC was represented by Prof Alan Miller, ICC Secretary at the meeting. The meeting’s outcome and press release are available on the ICC webpage. See http://nhri.ohchr.org/EN/News/Lists/News/DispForm.aspx?ID=165&RootFolder=%2FEN%2FNews%2FLists%2FNews&Source=http%3A%2F%2Fnhri%2Eohchr%2Eorg%2FEN%2FPages%2Fdefault%2Easpx

Follow up was made with the various partners involved in organising the meeting including: i) UNOG to assist with developing a survey with participants to the Meeting between NHRIs and the CRPD (CRPD Meeting), to assess

quality of services for remote participation.ii) CRPD Secretariat to discuss follow up activities with all partners involved. The ICC undertook an evaluation of the September

meeting and identified follow-up actions such as the development of CRPD Guidelines on ICC/NHRI contributions; development of advocacy strategies for NHRI engagement in COSP with the support of CRPD, and follow up activities at international and regional level. To this end the ICC Chairperson sent an acknowledgment letter to CRPD Chairperson Reyes Cisternas and a letter of appreciation to all the CRPD/NHRI meeting partners.

NHRIs continued to receive advice and assistance concerning CRPD. These NHRIs included New Zealand and Ecuador (participation at the CRPD session); Denmark ( the role of NHRIs in monitoring social care institutions in view of the development of a capacity-building intervention for the NHRI Albania).

Finally, consultation with key stakeholders was undertaken with respect to the role of NHRIs in monitoring the Convention (in relation to the APF commissioned study on the roles of NHRIs in monitoring the Convention) and with the European Network of NHRIs (ENNHRI) with respect to the ENNHRI’s regional meeting on disabilities.

Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED)The Committee on Enforced Disappearances developed a paper on cooperation with NHRIs in close consultation with the ICC, and took into account many of the ICCs’ views and suggestions. In order to build on this relationship, the ICC will work closely with NHRIs to ensure

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an effective, focused and coordinated engagement with the CED. The ICC continued to engage regularly with the CED Secretariat with regard to the cooperation with NHRIs and NHRIs’ engagement in CED’s sessions. To this end the ICC provided feedback and comments on the CED information note for NHRIs for its next CED session (February 2015) and provided input to the CED press release on CED/NHRI cooperation paper which was shared with the CED Secretariat and is available on the ICC webpage. See http://nhri.ohchr.org/EN/IHRS/TreatyBodies/EnforcedDisappearance/Pages/default.aspx

Several NHRIs received assistance and information in relation to the CED sessions including: NHRIs of Paraguay, Armenia, Mexico, Belgium and Serbia and discussions took place with the NHRIs of Iraq (which submitted a Report to the CED), Kosovo and Mexico.

Special ProceduresVarious activities and engagements were held with Special Procedures and NHRIs, highlights included:

i) Meeting with HRC Secretariat/HRC Special Procedures, Elena Kountouri to discuss HRC appointment of Special Procedures mandate holders;

ii) Participating in the consultation hosted by Special Procedures Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) on the right to challenge the legality of detention on 1-2 September 2015 and meeting the newly appointed WGAD member Jose Guevara. Further information can be accessed at http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Detention/Pages/ConsultationSept2014.aspxCoordination between ICC and the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in the lead up to the Geneva-based meeting yielded substantive contributions from NHRIs to the consultation process and WGAD's invitation to the Australian NHRI (Prof Gillian Triggs) to participate in the consultation in Geneva. NHRI contributions were mentioned in WGAD's report to HRC 27.

The ICC presented a statement to the 21st Annual Meeting of Special Procedures (SP) which provided the mandate holders with an overview of the ICC’s and NHRIs role and work. The result was that a number of mandate-holders approached the ICC with a view to establish cooperation.

Separate meetings were held with specific mandate holders including: i) the Special Rapporteur (SR) on Somalia, in relation to cooperation with the ICC regarding the establishment of an NHRI and draft

legislation (NANHRI was informed hereof) ii) Special Rapporteur on housing concerning cooperation with NHRIs for the drafting if her first report on roles of local governments

and authorities which is due in March 2015 ;andThe ICC provided support to NHRI Mauritania in relation to communicating its views to the Special Rapporteur on Contemporary forms of slavery.

Annual Meeting of Treaty Bodies

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In July 2014 in preparation for the Annual Meeting of Chairpersons of Treaty Bodies, a meeting was held with Paulo David, OHCHR Human Rights Treaty Body Division to discuss outcomes and follow up to the previous meeting held on 26 June 2014. Discussions included the various new papers on cooperation between treaty bodies and NHRIs being developed and considered by the HRC, CED and CRPD, the possibility of the harmonisation of these papers and the possibilities for NHRI training.

Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP)The ICC participated in meetings of the Expert Mechanism on Indigenous Peoples that were held from 7-11 July 2014 and had the opportunity there at to connect NHRIs Canada, Australia and New Zealand in relation to working together in this area of human rights.

Forum for Human Rights and BusinessThe ICC attended the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights which was held from 1-3 December 2014. In the lead up to the Forum the NHRIs of New Zealand and Germany received assistance and advice concerning their participation. During the Forum a number of interesting side events were attended and the ICC Working Group on Business and Human Rights hosted a side event.

Training for NHRIsFollowing the successful training in May 2014, a second training is scheduled to be held in Geneva from 4-8 May 2015. In preparation, new E-learning training materials were developed during this period which involved many meetings with FES and UNITAR, and consultations with individual NHRIs to source case studies on their work. (E.g. NHRI Kenya: cooperation with Special Rapporteur on Internally displaced persons (IDPs), NHRI Malaysia on accreditation and UPR and NHRI Australia on UPR engagement). The ICC is currently involved in the development of the course narratives and course design. (see Strategic Goal 4 – Fundraising)

UN engagement New York(e.g. General Assembly, New YorkExpert Mechanism on Indigenous PersonsPermanent Forum Indigenous PersonsConference of States Parties to CRPD

Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWG) The ICC submitted a written statement to the OEWG session held in July 2014 (NHRIs of Australia and Germany provided assistance in drafting the statement). The ICC requested participating NHRIs to emphasise the need for NHRI participation and inclusion in the work of the OEWG both in their presentations and in meetings with States.

United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues &World Conference on Indigenous PeoplesThe ICC has engaged in discussions with OHCHR Indigenous Peoples and Minorities Section and on outcomes of the World Conference which was held on 22 September 2014 in New York and follow up opportunities for ICC and NHRIs. Relevant outcomes to the work of NHRIs included: recommendations to develop national action plans on indigenous peoples; UN system-wide action plan on indigenous peoples; review/reform of the Expert Mechanism of Indigenous Peoples to include a mandate on monitoring the Declaration. A list of the

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Commission on Status of WomenUN Working Group on Ageing, New York)

NHRIs that participated in the World Conference as shared with the ICC.

The ICC made a presentation at the special session on NHRIs at the annual meeting of the UN Inter-Agency Support Group (IASG) on Indigenous Issues held in Geneva on 2-3 December 2014. The IASG is comprised of indigenous peoples' focal points at UN agencies including UNDP (represented by Ana Patricia Graca and Sarah Rattray) as well as the Chairperson and Secretariat of the UN Permanent Forum and the UN Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples. The ICC’s presentation and discussions thereafter focused on the role of NHRIs in relation to indigenous peoples and NHRIs participation rights within the UN system as a whole and the 2013 General Assembly NHRI Resolution.

The meeting resulted in concrete opportunities for engagement with the ICC and NHRIs: direct contacts were established with Permanent Forum Chairperson and Secretariat, who expressed availability to support the ICC campaign for NHRI participation in New York; consideration of possible side events in both NY and Geneva; Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO) expressed interest in inviting NHRIs to participate in trainings organised by FAO; and there were broader discussions and exchange of ideas among UN agencies on how to encourage UN to open up to national stakeholders, including indigenous peoples and NHRIs. Following the meeting, the ICC exchanged correspondences with Permanent Forum Chairperson, and provided feedback at request of FAO and Special Rapporteur on NHRIs' activities in relation to human rights and extractive industries with impact on indigenous peoples' rights.

Post-2015 Development Agenda (Sustainable Development Goals-SDGs)The ICC Chair sent a letter and joint NHRI statement on the SDGs to the UN Secretary General which highlighted the important role that NHRIs could play in the implementation and monitoring of the SDGs once adopted.

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)The ICC continues to pursue strategies that will enhance NHRI participation at CSW.

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STRATEGIC GOAL 2Build partnerships and engage external stakeholders

Activity Report

Outreach to partnersOHCHR/NIRMSUNDP

Joint activities in terms of thematic priority areas.

NIRMS

Meetings

Regular meetings are held with OHCHR NIRMS and where the need arises specific meetings with various OHCHR Units are secured. The meetings held included (and where not previously mentioned in this report):

i) Between the ICC Chairperson & staff and Paulo David, Chief, Capacity Building and Harmonization Section, Human Rights and Treaties Division OHCHR, 15 September 2014

ii) with ICC Chairperson, the Chief of National Institutions and Regional Mechanisms Section (NIRMS), Vladlen Stefanov, NIRMS staff, and ICC staff, 17 September 2014

The ICC attended the civil society farewell meeting with High Commissioner Navi Pillay which was held on the 5 August 2014.

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/NGOsBidFarewellToHC.aspx . The ICC Chairperson sent a farewell letter to the High Commissioner and also held a meeting with her at the 2nd World Human Rights Forum in Marrakech, Morocco in November 2014.

Evaluation of OHCHR’s support to NHRIs

The ICC Bureau received a briefing on the Evaluation of OHCHR’s support to NHRIs from the Chief of NIRMS, Vladlen Stefanov during the Bureau Meeting in October. The ICC Bureau confirmed the ICC’s participation in the evaluation which will take place from December 2014 to May 2015. The ICC will serve in the Reference Group which was constituted to provide advice on the process. The ICC Bureau appointed ICC Secretary Prof Alan Miller, Director of the Danish Institute for Human Rights Jonas Christofferson and ICC Regional Chair Gabriela Ramirez del Mar to represent the ICC on the reference group. The ICC Bureau confirmed that the regional coordinating

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committees will be focal points for communications and coordination with the ICC representatives on the reference group.

OHCHR Regional Mechanisms Workshop 8-9 October 2014The ICC attended the opening and selected sessions of the OHCHR Regional Mechanisms Workshop organised by NIRMS in October 2014. NHRIs from Qatar, Venezuela and Kenya participated in the event.

UNDPRegular correspondence and communication took place with UNDP, including in preparation for the ICC Bureau meeting in October. Ms Shireen Said and Ms Sarah Ratray of UNDP attended the ICC Bureau meeting in Johannesburg,

Information was provided when requested for instance, the ICC ensured NHRI representation at the UNDP co-organised event titled Dialogue on the Extractive Sector and Sustainable Development – Enhancing Public-Private Cooperation in the Context of the Post-2015 Agenda. UNDP co-organized the event with the Government of Brazil and it took place from 3 - 5 December 2014. Through the ICC the names of potential NHRI speakers were shared with UNDP and NHRI South Africa spoke on the role of NHRIs in the extractive sector.

UNDP-OHCHR-ICC annual Tripartite Partnership MeetingThe minutes of the June 2014 Tri partite Meeting were finalised during this period and follow up commenced within the ICC. At the ICC Bureau meeting partners agreed to hold a preparatory meeting for the annual Tripartite Partnership meeting held in June on the margins of the ICC General Meeting in March 2015.

Outreach to key stakeholdersIOICivil Society

International Ombudsman Institute (IOI)The ICC Chairperson sent a congratulatory letter to the newly elected President of the IOI, Adv. John Walters, the Ombudsman of Namibia, 5 November 2014. Continued discussions have taken place between the ICC and the IOI in order to ensure that the Memorandum of Co-operation is signed at the upcoming ICC 28 in March 2015.

European Union (EU)An introductory meeting was held in July 2014 with the Head of Human Rights, EU Delegation, Christina Kokkinakis. Issues discussed included the ICC, NHRIs and role of ICC Geneva representative, the outcomes of HRC Special Session on Palestine, EU funding, possible EU meeting with ICC Chairperson in Geneva, and the HRC NHRI resolution and HRC 27 th session. In follow up to this meeting, in September, the ICC Chairperson together with NHRI Mexico and ICC staff, met with EU Member States’ representatives. The ICC also attended the EU meeting with civil society on the exchange of views on HRC 27 held on 2nd September 2014.

States/Permanent Missions

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Following the adoption of the NHRI resolution at the HRC27, the ICC Chairperson sent a letter to H.E. Ambassador Quinn, Australian Permanent Representative to express appreciation of his and Australia's leadership on the NHRI resolution process. Further discussions were held with the Permanent Mission of Australia during the NHRI resolution process. It was agreed that further outreach and advocacy at HRC level was required to secure Member States' continued support.

The ICC participated in a lunch meeting with civil society held by the Permanent Mission of Canada to discuss priorities at the upcoming HRC session and introduced the NHRI resolution and ICC/NHRI contributions to HRC 27.

The ICC, upon request, provided advice to the Permanent Mission of the Netherlands in preparation of their yearly Ambassadors' Conference in January 2015. The event will feature a session on Human Rights in the Netherlands, which the Netherlands NHRI will attend. The organizers are considering hosting a session on NHRIs, to brief Ambassadors on NHRIs and the accreditation system, with a view to supporting the strengthening of NHRIs

Meetings with civil societyRegular meetings and liaison with civil society and other key stakeholders took place, highlights include:

International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)Discussions were held with the ISHR New York on the issue of reprisals and follow up to HRC resolution 24/24 in New York, and possible related advocacy activities. Additional meetings were held with OHCHR and Geneva and New York-based NGOs to receive a briefing on NY developments on reprisals.

On 17 September 2014, the ICC Chairperson together with ICC staff met with Phil Lynch, the Director of ISHR. The ICC attended the 30th Anniversary of the International Services for Human Rights held on 20 November 2014 at which ISHR New York based staff were present.

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) The ICC participated in the FES co-sponsored “International Expert Meeting, Protection of Human Rights Is Indispensable - German policy in the UN Human Rights Council”, on 6 -6October in Berlin. A number of NHRI representatives attended and participated (Palestine, South Africa & Germany. ICC Chairperson together with the ICC staff and FES met with Mr Frank Schwabe, member of the German Parliament on 15 September 2014.

In December 2014, FES in collaboration with NHRI Denmark proposed that the ICC jointly host a roundtable discussion, on the margins of

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the ICC General Meeting in March 2015 for NHRIs on the upcoming inter-governmental negotiations on an international treaty on transnational corporations and human rights. The roundtable was confirmed and plans are underway to host the roundtable titled Legal accountability of business for human rights impacts: NHRI dialogue on possible future approaches in March 2015.

Association for the Prevention of TortureOn 16 July 2014, a meeting was held with the newly appointed APT NHRI Advisor Ben Buckland. Discussions focused on: the possible development by APT in cooperation with the ICC of a database for NHRIs on torture prevention to facilitate the sharing of experiences and lessons learned; ICC accreditation process; upcoming meetings; and training for NHRIs. Subsequently, the ICC introduced various NHRIs to the APT NHRI Focal Point (NHRIs of Norway, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Turkey). The ICC also consulted with APT on the NHRI resolution.

Child Rights ConnectThe ICC maintained regular contact with Child Rights Connect. A meeting was held with Child Rights Connect to discuss joint activities for engagement with the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Cooperation opportunities agreed upon between the two organisations included: 1) enhancing NHRIs’ general engagement with the CRC Committee; 2) Engaging in a pilot project with selected NHRIs; 3) developing cooperation around CRC Committee’s General Comments and Days of General Discussions, as well as the HRC Annual Days of Child Rights, with a view to facilitating and strengthening NHRI contributions therein; 4) Strengthening communications and the child rights section on the ICC’s webpage. Processes are now underway to meet the identified targets.

International Disability Alliance (IDA)Regular meetings were held with IDA in the lead up to the CRPD/NHRI meeting with IDA providing both technical support at the meeting (webcast) and a panellist for one of the sessions.

Global Network for Rights and Development The ICC together with other Geneva-based NGOs attended an introductory meeting with the Global Network for Rights and Development on 17 July 2014. The Global Network briefed the organisations on its mission, structure, activities and priority issues of their Geneva office; and in turn the ICC informed the meeting participants about the ICC, NHRIs and the role of ICC Geneva Office; and provided information and advice on engagement with the Human Rights Council and other fora in Geneva.

Centre for Reproductive Rights A meeting was held with Katrine Thomassen, the Legal Advisor for the Centre for Reproductive Rights to discuss the Centre’s work in July 2014. Subsequently, the ICC was invited and attended the inauguration of the Centre’s Geneva office on 13 November 2014.

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The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute

The ICC attended a workshop entitled “Strengthening the Role of the Legal Profession in the United Nations Universal Periodic Review”, held on 20th November 2014 where opportunities for collaboration with The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute in strengthening NHRIs at the UPR process were discussed.

Organisation International de la Francophonie (OIF)

The ICC participated in the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie workshop entitled “Atelier Francophone de réflexion sur l'Examen Périodique Universel”on the UPR and the 3rd Cycle, held in Geneva on 2 December 2014. The ICC gave a presentation on the roles and experiences of NHRIs engaging with the UPR. The workshop was attended by OIF diplomats, OHCHR representatives and some NGOs.

NGO Platform for a Swiss NHRIAt their invitation, the ICC participated in a meeting with APT and Swiss civil society, to introduce the work of ICC and to discuss the establishment of an NHRI in Switzerland, 16 December 2014. Prior to the meeting consultations were made with NIRMS and the ENNHRI Secretariat and the ICC received a draft publication on NHRIs in federal states for reference.

On 8 October 2014, a meeting was held with the Centre on Economic and Social Rights on SDGs to discuss the development of a NHRI handbook on economic, social and cultural rights, commissioned by APF.

An informal meeting was held with ICC Chairperson, Alan Lerberg from the NHRI Denmark, and ICC staff to discuss among other issues the SDGs, 15 September 2015.

Outreach to the Regional Coordinating Committees(RCCs)

The ICC Chairperson and ICC staff engaged on a regular basis with the various Regional Coordinating Committees. Interaction with the Regional Coordinating Committees is on a continuous basis in relation to all aspects of the ICCs work. This section will merely note a number of examples:

The APF Director and Deputy Director were briefed by the ICC Geneva Representative in a teleconference on developments on reprisals. APF agreed to contact NHRIs within its regions to urge NHRIs to advocate that their States' support the adoption in New York of Resolution 24/24

The ICC was contacted by Neil Crowther who is conducting research on NHRIs and disability and he was placed in contact with the regional coordinators in order to obtain further information, 7 August 2014

ICC Chairs e-newsletters, were distributed through the Regional Coordinating Committees to members in August and November 2014

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The ICC Secretary attended the 19th APF Annual Meeting that was held in New Delhi, India from 3-5 September 2014. The ICC attended on an observer basis the NANHRI Steering Committee meeting held on the margins of the 2nd World Human

Rights Forum (27 November 2014) and the Arab Network of NHRIs (ANNHRI’s) Executive Committee meeting held on the margins of the “International Conference on the Challenges to Security and Human Rights in the Arab Region”, November 2014.

There have been a number of opportunities for the ICC to interact at the regional level , such as: The ICC was actively involved with the preparation and outcomes of the sessions on NHRIs at the 2nd World Human Rights Forum

(WHRF) held in Marrakech, Morocco from 27-30 November 2014 and co-organised by the NHRI Morocco. The ICC attended the WHRF where the ICC Chairperson gave an opening statement at the NHRI Panel on Engagement with UN Human Rights Mechanisms and the ICC Geneva Representative made a presentation on ICC advocacy in New York (28 November). The ICC Chair made a presentation at the Session on promoting the rights of older persons as did the Executive Director of the European Network of NHRIs (ENNHRI), 29 November2014. The ICC together with the ENNHRI contributed to the development of the Declarations from the NHRI Panel and that from the session on older persons. The declarations are available on the ICC webpage. See http://nhri.ohchr.org/EN/News/Lists/News/DispForm.aspx?ID=171&RootFolder=%2FEN%2FNews%2FLists%2FNews&Source=http%3A%2F%2Fnhri%2Eohchr%2Eorg%2FEN%2FPages%2Fdefault%2Easpx

At the WHRF, The ICC Geneva Representative highlighted the role of NHRIs (Belgrade Principles)at the session on Parliaments and Human Rights (29 November 2014 ) and engaged in networking opportunities and side meetings with amongst others : Head of OHCHR Regional Office in Beirut on developments in the Gulf; Chairperson of the Human Rights committee of the National Assembly in Kuwait; Ombudsperson of Québec; Help Age International on cooperation on older persons rights and NHRI participation in the WG on Older Persons; International Parliamentary Union on implementation of Belgrade Principles

In July 2014, the ICC Chair conducted a study tour of the Rwandan Human Rights Commission and discussions included accreditation and compliance with Paris Principles. A meeting was held with the Minister of Justice and the Speaker of Parliament and discussions included the importance of the A-status and efforts required to retain the status, 19 to 24 July 2014.

In December 2014, the ICC attended the Copenhagen Symposium on Human Rights Education (HRE) on “Strengthening NHRIs Capacity on Human Rights Education “organized by the NHRI Denmark with participation from the NHRIs of Australia, Denmark, Egypt, Kenya, Mongolia, South Africa, Uganda and Ukraine. Materials from the symposium can be accessed fromhttp://humanrights.dk/copenhagen-symposium-human-rights-education

The ICC participated in the following conferences:

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i) The Conference on Constitutional Day in Astana, Kazakhstan co-organised by the Commissioner and the Kazakh Constitutional Council in Kazakhstan held from 27-29 August 2014

ii) The International Conference on the Challenges to Security and Human Rights in the Arab Region organised by NHRI Qatar, 5-6 November 2014.

iii) The “Beyond 2015 CSO Conference” co-organised by NHRI Denmark where the ICC Chair spoke on the role of NHRIs in monitoring the implementation of sustainable development goals, held in Copenhagen on 13 -14 November 2014.

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STRATEGIC GOAL 3Maintain and strengthen ICC accreditation processes

see additional information provided by the SCA

Activity Report

NHRI Preparation Assistance

During this period there was engagement with and advice provided by the ICC to the following NHRIs in relation to the accreditation process:

in relation to upcoming review: Korea, Morocco, Great Britain in relation to addressing SCA recommendations: Kazakhstan, Germany

SCA Meetings twice a year

The ICC SCA held a session from 27 to 31 October 2014. The report for this meeting is available here http://nhri.ohchr.org/EN/AboutUs/ICCAccreditation/Pages/SCA-Reports.aspx ICC staff attend the SCA session as observers.

The next SCA meeting will take place from 16 to 20 March 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland. Further information on this meeting is available here: http://nhri.ohchr.org/EN/AboutUs/ICCAccreditation/Pages/nextsession.aspx

Development of General Observations

No general observations with scheduled for development during this period. Further information, see SCA report

Accreditation Awareness raising

During this reporting period, the ICC undertook the following activities in order to raise awareness about the accreditation process: Discussions were held with a member of the Kuwaiti Parliament on a new law project proposed by the Government for the

establishment of an NHRI and the possibility of Conference being held in Kuwait to discuss the draft law initiatives, Paris Principles with international experts from ICC, APF and OHCHR. The Regional Coordinating Committee, APF was updated on the discussions for follow up with the Kuwaiti Parliament.

Discussions with NHRI Turkey on the ICC accreditation process The ICC Chairperson met with Sima Samar of NHRI Afghanistan and with the Ambassador of Germany to discuss the status of NHRI

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http://nhri.ohchr.org/EN/AboutUs/GANHRIAccreditation/Pages/SCA-Reports.aspx



Afghanistan on 17th September 2014. Germany expressed a willingness to support the NHRI’s efforts to maintain it’s a status through encouraging the Afghan Government to implement the SCA recommendations. The ICC continued engaging with NHRI Afghanistan’s Chairperson, Germany's Permanent Mission in Geneva and Germany’s Embassy in Kabul, with a view to coordinating Germany's position in support of NHRI Afghanistan, both in Geneva and Kabul.

Providing States and Permanent Missions information on the ICC accreditation process:i) Permanent Mission of Hungary regarding ICC accreditation and upcoming review of application of NHRI Hungaryii) Permanent Mission of Uruguay with information on the accreditation process and the upcoming review of NHRI Uruguay in

March 2015 iii) Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs information on the accreditation what n processiv) Permanent Mission of Germany in relation to SCA recommendations to NHRI Germanyv) Permanent Mission of Korea in relation to the review of NHRI Korea

Accreditation roundtable The ICC Bureau in its October 2014 meeting held in Johannesburg, South Africa agreed to hold a roundtable on accreditation to provide clarity on accreditation issues to identify ways to strengthen the process. The Accreditation Roundtable will be held on 10 March 2015 prior to the ICC General Meeting and preparations are underway. During November, and December a concept paper for the Roundtable was drafted.

MonitoringDevelopment of FrameworkEstablishmentImplementation

Follow up was made with the SCA with respect to the Discussion Note prepared raising issues that had emerged as areas of concern that the ICC Bureau needed to address.

Information on the situation of NHRIs was shared where necessary including: i) a media report on “NHRI Serbia under fire” received in 25th November 2014ii) article in leading German newspaper on the ICC and possible downgrading of German Institute for Human Rights, 2/12/2014

NHRIs raised concerns about the accreditation process including: i) NHRI Venezuela submitted a complaint to the High Commissioner alleging improper handling of information related to its

accreditation. In response the ICC Chair submitted a letter to the High Commissioner indicating that the matter would be handled by the ICC and consulted further with the SCA Chair.

ii) The ICC Chair received communication from NHRI Venezuela and NHRI Nicaragua expressing dissatisfaction with the SCA report in reference to the Venezuelan Special Review and withdrawal of NHRI Paraguay

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STRATEGIC GOAL 4To develop a sustainable and well managed ICC

Activity Report

ICC MeetingsGeneral Meetings; ICC Bureau Meetings; ICC Conference 2015

ICC Bureau MeetingThe ICC Bureau met in Johannesburg, South Africa on 16 and 17th October 2014. The ICC Bureau meeting was hosted by the South African Human Rights Commission.

Bureau Meeting Preparatory Committees- two preparatory committees were established for the hosting of the ICC Bureau Meeting in Johannesburg. One preparatory committee consisted of NIRMS and ICC staff and the other of SAHRC staff members. (27/08/2014). Regular meetings were held in the run up to the Bureau Meeting. As the host country for the ICC Bureau Meeting, the ICC SAHRC staff were involved in drafting a budget for the event, preparations for the welcome dinner, cultural events, participant’s gifts and gala dinner. In addition, they were involved in the selection of the venue, hotel rooms for participants, security at all events, interpretation and recording of proceedings; arrangements for speakers to be Skyped in to the ICC Bureau meeting, and airport transfers.

Preparations for the ICC Bureau Meeting included: communication with ICC Bureau members, OHCHR, UNDP, Regional coordinators and NHRI participants via email in relation to the logistics and meeting arrangements; preparation of documents in relation to logistics-logistics note, notes verbales, invitation letters, accommodation information; preparation of meeting documents-Bureau Meeting agenda, ICC Progress Report, terms of reference (TOR) for the ICC working group on post-2015 development agenda and fund raising task team, concept paper on post-2015 development agenda, report of ICC working group on business and human rights, financial report, ICC subscriptions report & the ICC Budget for 2015; translation of the documents into ICC’s 4 official languages.

All documents relating to the meeting were uploaded on the ICC webpage with private access provided to the ICC Bureau Members and participants for internal documents.

The Record of Decisions was adopted and circulated to ICC Bureau Members and is available on the ICC webpage

Post Bureau Meeting -Follow up continues in relation to the implementation of the Bureau decisions.

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28th ICC General Meeting (ICC 28)ICC 28 Preparatory Committee-In preparation for the ICC28, a preparatory committee meeting constituting of NIRMS and ICC Staff was held on 12th November 2014. Subsequent meetings were held on (24th November, 4th December and 8th December 2014) and will continue until the conclusion of ICC 28. Following the meetings, a save the date message with the registration form was sent out to the ICC membership, an annotation of themes for thematic sessions was developed, draft agendas for both the General Meeting and ICC Bureau meeting developed and the concept note for the Accreditation Roundtable drafted.

ICC 27 reportAn initial draft prepared by NIRMS was edited during this period and thereafter placed on the ICC website prior to the ICC Bureau Meeting in October 2015.

Membership Improve systems and procedures for collection of membership fees

Provide assistance to new members and members under threat

Collection of membership fees During this period the subscription fee invoices were resubmitted to NHRIs that requested. Follow up was made with institutions with the support of the Regional Coordinating Committees. Subsequent to the ICC Bureau Meeting and Bureau decision, the ICC Chair requested Regional Chairs to follow up with individual NHRIs with a request that a report is provided on the reasons for non-payment in order that the ICC could determine how best to deal with NHRIs that owed membership fees. In accordance with the ICC Financial Guidelines, the ICC Chair submitted the third quarter report on membership fees to the Finance Committee and in preparation of the Finance Report presented before the ICC Bureau. In instances, where membership certificates were requested these were forwarded to the relevant NHRI’s.

By the end of 2014, a total of 52 out of 71 A-status NHRIs had paid membership fees an important note as the ICC’s annual budget is based on 50 A-status NHRIs paying membership fees. This is up from 46 A status NHRIs that had paid by the end of 2013.

Awareness raising on Fee WaiversIn line with the ICC Bureau Record of Decision (Accra, November 2013), the Guidelines for the Determination of Fee Waivers were disseminated to all NHRIs through the regional coordinators. In addition, the ICC Chair’s e-Newsletters reminded members again that they could apply for fee waivers in appropriate circumstances.

Membership fee exemptionNHRI Peru was granted a waiver by the ICC Bureau following its application for a waiver for the membership fees for 2014 which was received by the ICC Chair on 15th April 2014.

Assistance to new members and members under threat / facing difficult circumstancesDuring the period the ICC liaised with individual NHRIs, Regional Chairs, Regional Coordinating Committees and the OHCHR NIRMS in relation to

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NHRIs that are experiencing difficult circumstances (e.g. Palestine-conflict situation in Gaza; Maldives-charges of high treason for submission of UPR report; Nicaragua-increment of budget to undertake international activities)The ICC worked closely with the APF to provide support to the NHRI Maldives whose Commissioners were charged with high treason following the NHRI’s submission of a report to the UPR during its States’ review. Letters from the ICC Chairperson and APF written in support of the NHRI are available on the ICC webpage.

In supporting the NHRI Maldives following its Commissioners’ being charged with treason as a direct result of the NHRI’s engagement with the UPR, both the ICC Chair and APF in writing to the Maldives Government highlighted the Paris Principles and the minimum standards that they set in terms of the work of NHRIs including interaction with international human rights mechanisms and being able to do so independently and without fear of reprisals.

Following the Bureau decision in March 2014 on NHRI Nicaragua with respect to its budgetary allocation, the ICC Chair wrote to the Nicaraguan Government detailing the need for the NHRI to receive sufficient budgetary allocation and possible implications on its accreditation should it not be able to engage and cooperate with international and regional human rights mechanisms

FinancesEnsuring effective and efficient financial systems

General financial mattersOn an ongoing basis, there is a need to attend to the payment of invoices and refund requests submitted, as well as the calculation and processing of per diem for travel by ICC Chair, ICC Secretary and ICC staff. Each month, the ICC bank statements are perused and an internal summary prepared in order to monitor budgetary spending whilst the quarterly books of accounts are provided by the ICC accountant.

Appointment of new ICC AccountantThe current contract of the ICC accountant comes to an end in December 2014. The ICC Bureau requested the ICC Chair to assess the performance of the ICCs’ current accountant and consider alternative options. The ICC Chair together with the Mr Nabor Carillo Flores representing the ICC Finance Committee Chair (NHRI Mexico) and ICC staff held interviews on 16th September 2014 in Geneva with short-listed candidates to identify the most suitable applicant. A report of the process was presented to the ICC Bureau in October 2015 leading to the endorsement of the ICC Chair’s recommendation to offer the contract to the CBI Group, headed by Yves Lieberherr to manage the ICC financial and administrative matters (related to its staff in Geneva. Following the ICC Bureau decision, the services of the ICC accountant were terminated on 31 December 2014

During November and December 2014 various arrangements were made between the respective accountants in order to ensure a smooth transition of the books of account and relevant other service providers such as the ICC lawyer and ICC auditors were informed of the arrangements. . 2015 BudgetA draft ICC 2015 budget was prepared and submitted for translation prior to the ICC Bureau meeting in October 2014. For purposes of internal planning purposes, a more detailed 2015 travel budget was prepared.

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2014 Books of account and auditIn preparation for the ICC Bureau meeting, during September, much work was conducted with regards to ensuring that the required financial statements were ready and submitted to the ICC Finance Subcommittee. These documents including the audited statements up until December 2013were placed in a virtual folder (Dropbox). ,. The balance sheet as at December 31, 2013, bank statements for the period 1 January 2014 to 30 September 2014, Income and Expenditure Statement for the period January 2014 to June 2014, ICC Subscription Reports for the first second and third quarters of 2014, the ICC draft budget for 2015.The third quarter books of account were received from the accountant on 6 October 2014 and the various information requested was provided. In order to assist in ensuring that the audit is completed prior to the ICC annual General Meeting in March 2014, the ICC Chair’s office stopped processing payments after 15 December 2014. Assurances have been provided by the ICC accountant and ICC auditors that the books of account will be audited prior to the March 2015 annual General Meeting.

Tax exemption statusInitial pro bono legal advice on the Tax exemption status of the ICC was received in November 2014 from Jacques Pittet of Oberson attorneys, Geneva via the International Legal Services Project (ISLP). This advice has been processed and additional information provided in order to receive a final opinion on the matter.

Fundraising Establish Task team

UN Grant AgreementThe report of the 2014 UN Grant Agreement was submitted to OHCHR-NIRMS in August following the conclusion of the grant period. Subsequently a new proposal was submitted to NIRMS for the 2015 Grant Agreement in November 2014 which was approved in December 2014. The 2015 UN Grant will support the implementation of the Communications Project. A suitable consultant was identified –Neil Gaught & Associates- through the NHRI network and his proposal approved by the ICC Bureau in October 2014. The ICC received assistance in the preparation of the proposal from NIRMS. The implementation of the Communications Project will run from January to June 2015

FES / UNITAR Training Funding for another face to face NHRI training in Geneva in 2015 was confirmed by FES and preparations are well underway to develop the programme and training material including an online course for NHRI participants. The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed funding for the development of the e-learning training materials with further funding requests identified for delivery and translation of the course.(See Strategic Goal One – Engagement with UN Geneva for further reporting on this training)EU Funding During September 2014 cconfirmation was received from the Danish Institute that the Annual Action Programme of the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights had been adopted. Further that this plan includes a grant of €5 million over a period of three years from 2015 to 2017.

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The work will focus on strengthening core human rights functions of NHRIs and there will be a particular thematic focus on economic social and cultural rights and on business and human rights. The grant will be held by the Danish Institute and they are currently in the process of clarifying modalities.

In October 2014, The ICC Bureau received an update on the status of the application for the EU funding from the Danish Institute for Human Rights. Modalities of the funding and implementation of the propose project will be discussed in early 2015. Documents confirming the details of the project and budget allocation are available on the EIDHR website http://www.eidhr.eu/library Summary: http://www.eidhr.eu/files/dmfile/SpecialMeasureconcerningtheWorkProgramme2014fortheEuropeanInstrumentforDemocracyandHumanRights.pdfAnnexes: http://www.eidhr.eu/files/dmfile/AAP2014-AD1-11.pdf Fundraising Task TeamAt the October 2014 ICC Bureau meeting, the bureau resolved to establish a fundraising task team. Regions must now propose representatives to be members of this task team. Prior to the next ICC Bureau meeting a draft terms of reference was circulated for consultation amongst Bureau members.

Human ResourcesEstablish Task team

ICC Staff-ICC Assistant Geneva Representative The ICC Assistant Geneva Representative commenced duties on 1 August 2014 on a one year fixed term contract with the ICC and has

received support from the ICC Chair’s Office, ICC Geneva Representative and NIRMS in the discharge of her duties. The legal formalities associated with her recruitment were attended to with support from the ICC Lawyer and ICC Accountant as well as UN administrative matters by the ICC. A formal introductory meeting with the ICC Chair took place in September 2014 when the ICC Chair was in Geneva.

Reporting All ICC Staff continue to prepare monthly reports on their activities. This information is used in the development of the ICC Progress Report, the ICC Annual Report and monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the ICC Strategic Plan and Implementation Plan. A meeting was held in December 2014 to discuss the development of the 1st ICC Annual Report.

Staff Meetings – a number of bilateral and full staff meetings have taken place during this reporting period. There were regular meetings with NIRMS in relation to the ICC Bureau Meeting and ICC 28 Preparation (see Strategic Goal 4 ICC Meetings). Whilst on mission in Geneva in September 2014 and during the ICC Bureau meeting in October 2014 the ICC Chair held staff meetings.

Leave - ICC staff have taken leave during this period and this is duly recorded.

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http://www.eidhr.eu/library



Admin & TechnologyAccessible information project

Throughout the period, the ICC uploaded reports, press releases, and submissions on the ICC webpage.

ICC Chairperson’s NewsletterIn August and November 2014 the ICC Chair distributed his second and third e-Newsletters to members which met the target of at least 3 newsletters distributed each year. The purpose of the newsletter is to ensure regular and direct contact with the membership concerning the activities of the ICC and sharing information on upcoming events and opportunities for NHRIs to become more involved in matters at an international level.

Communications ProjectThe ICC Bureau decided that the ICC required more effective communication strategies and systems. This would enhance its capacity to give effect to its purpose, functions and current Strategic Goals and endorsed the ICC Chair’s proposal to implement a Communications Project. The expected outcome is “improved communication and retention of institutional memory within the ICC and with partners through better access to information sharing through improved use of technological resources.“ After a consultative internal ICC process and with the assistance of NIRMS, proposals were received. It was determined that the project will be implemented in consultation with Neil Gaught & Associates, the ICC Communications working group (as focal points) and the ICC membership. See UN Grant Agreement above.

Travel - during this period, substantial administrative work was conducted in relation to the travel needs of the ICC: the ICC Chair and ICC Liaison Officer upon travel on a mission to Geneva in September 2015 to conduct ICC advocacy and attend to the appointment of a new ICC accountant; the ICC Geneva Representative on occasion of travel to attend the ICC Bureau Meeting in South Africa in October 2015, the ICC Chair on travel to attend the Beyond 2015 Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark in November 2014 and the ICC Chair and Deputy Liaison Officer upon travel to attend the 2 nd World Human Rights Forum in Morocco in November 2014;

Administration - The ICC Chair was supported by staff in the preparation for the trips to Geneva, Morocco and Denmark (as mentioned above), and setting up

of various bilateral and side meetings. There was substantial preparation in relation to the CRPD/NHRI meeting in September (see Strategic Objective 1 above) An IT consultant in Geneva has been sourced to attend to ICC staff IT and computer matters that arise from time to time. The ICC Chair was supported in the recording of various video statements.

Translation and interpretation The 2nd and 3rd ICC Chair’s e-newsletters were translated and distributed in August and November 2014respectively. Documents for the October ICC Bureau Meeting in Johannesburg were submitted for translation and interpretation secured for the ICC

Bureau Meeting

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The draft ICC Human Rights Council 27 statements were submitted for translation; ICC June 2014 side meeting at COSP – final payments were made to service providers ICC statement and letter on sustainable development goals were submitted for translation; and The ICC Assistant Geneva Representative has provided support by translating short documents into Spanish.

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