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"!  _?+ 9 AIQ!X?          1   "      ݀XXViennaDeclarationand_Programme_ԀofAction(A/_CONF_.153/24)(PartI),chap.III,sect._II.A_,  para.4.(O2K$ "!     0   3|x \  `*Times New RomanTTC\  P6QP\  `*Times New RomanTTXXP\  P6QXP%2A`ArialTTomanTTg2PQP\  `*Times New RomanTT\  P6QP%2A`ArialTTomanTT  u2PQ P%2A`ArialTTomanTT2PQP%2A`ArialTTomanTTXXX2PQXP($\\green\csb30310$4. B2.rtyBarȚ U d "!  _TRW6&* X3' Letter 6&A43'LetterTXXE/CN.4/2000/98  20January2000     COMMISSIONONHUMANRIGHTS ` Fifty-sixthsession  L    EFFECTIVEFUNCTIONINGOFHUMANRIGHTSMECHANISMS:TREATY  8  BODIES  $        UKUS.,    0   ReportoftheSecretary-Generalontheconsultationsconductedinrespectof_the_0@""   reportoftheindependentexpertonenhancingthelong-termeffectivenessof_the_ ##   UnitedNationshumanrightstreatysystem  p "US.,UK.,            'XXX'*ddd Xdd Xdd X##, ,d ,Xdd ,dd ,dd +   p p   CONTENTS !  !  T I  T INTRODUCTION o #DXX#XXD ! T !1-4 4! #DXXv#XXD T    II   SUMMARYOFTHERECOMMENDATIONSOF  THEINDEPENDENTEXPERTANDCOMMENTS p RECEIVEDTHEREON  #DXX#XXD ! \ !556 \!   ,"   ,# A.  ,$ % DXXX %DDXXDcb    Towar "XXXXDXXcb    ! XXXD!dsuniversalratification w   #DXX #  ,% DDXXDcb    57 ,& ~ "XXXXDXXcb     \'   \( B.  \) DDXXDcb    Thereportingprocess:theproblemof \* significantlyoverdue  reports,dealingwiththe H + timelysubmissionofreportsandconsolidation 4!, ofreports "XXXXDXXcb      "p- DDXXDcb    823  "p1 "XXXXDXXcb     #2   #3 DDXXDcb    C.  #4 Problemsinrelationtodocumentation     #5 2426 #6 j"XXXXDXXcb      %p 7    %p 8 DDXXDcb    D.   %p 9 Developmentanduseofelectronicdatabases  %p :    o   &\!; 2728  %p < A"XXXXDXXcb     '"=   '"> DDXXDcb    E.  '"? Publicinformation     '"@ 2930 '"A 3"XXXXDXXcb      )\$B    )\$C DDXXDcb    F.   )\$D Advisoryservices      )\$E 3133  )\$F "XXXXDXXcb     *%G   *%H DDXXDcb    G.  *%I Specialreports     *%J 3435  *%K "XXXXDXXcb      ,\'L    ,\'M DDXXDcb    H.   ,\'N Consolidationoftreatybodies   ,\'O 3637   ,\'P g"XXXXDXXcb     -(Q   -(R DDXXDcb    I.  -(S Amendingthetreaties  -(T 3839  -(U  "XXXXDXXcb      /\*V    /\*W DDXXDcb    J.   /\*X Thelanguagequestion   /\*Y 4041   /\*Z "XXXXDXXcb     d   d DDXXDcb    K.  d Cooperationwiththespecializedagenciesand d  otherbodies  P 4248  P Q"XXXXDXXcb          DDXXDcb    L.    Thequalityofconcludingobservations    4950       P     P M.   P Otherissues   P 5156   P     III    OBSERVATIONS o      5765    @##J#2 XXXXDXXcb    H+ 9 AIQ!XXHI.INTRODUCTION p        1.  Theoriginalstudyontheeffectiveoperationofexistingandprospectivebodiesestablishedunder H  UnitedNationshumanrightsinstrumentswasinitiatedpursuanttoGeneralAssemblyresolution43/115of8December   1988andCommissiononHumanRightsresolution1989/47,carriedoutbyMr.PhilipAlstonduringtheperiod1989   to1992andtransmittedtotheGeneralAssemblyindocumentA/44/668,annex. D 2.  Initsresolution47/111of16December1992,theGeneralAssemblyrequestedthatthereportbeupdatedfor ! submissiontothefiftiethsessionoftheCommissiononHumanRightsandthataninterimreportbepresentedtothe " GeneralAssemblyatitsforty-eighthsession,andbemadeavailabletotheWorldConferenceonHumanRightsinJune T# 1993.Pursuanttothatresolution,aswellasCommissiononHumanRightsresolution1993/16of26February1993, h$ Mr.Alstonundertooktoupdatehisoriginalstudy,submittinganinterimreportthereonindocument ,% A/CONF/157/PC/62/Add.11/Rev.1andafinalreportindocumentE/CN.4/1997/74,whichwassubmittedtothe & fifty-thirdsessionoftheCommissiononHumanRightsin1997.Byitsdecision1997/105,theCommissiononHuman d' RightsinvitedtheSecretary-GeneraltosolicittheviewsofGovernments,UnitedNationsbodies,specializedagencies, (x( intergovernmentalandnon-governmentalorganizationsandinterestedpersonsonthereportoftheindependentexpert <) andtosubmitareportthereon,includingtheSecretary-Generalsownviewsonthelegal,administrativeandother * implicationsofthereportsrecommendations,totheCommissiononHumanRightsatitsfifty-fourthsession.Thatreport t+ wassubmittedindocumentE/CN.4/1998/85andAdd.1andCorr.1. 8, 3.  Initsresolution1998/27,theCommissiononHumanRightsinvitedtheSecretary-Generaltocontinuetosolicit . theviewsofGovernments,UnitedNationsbodies,specializedagencies,intergovernmentalandnon-governmental / organizationsandinterestedpersonsonthereportoftheindependentexpertandtosubmitafurtherreportthereon, H 0 includingtheSecretary-Generalsownviewsonthelegal,administrativeandotherimplicationsofthereports  !\1 recommendations,totheCommissiononHumanRightsatitsfifty-sixthsession.TheGeneralAssembly,initsresolution ! 2 53/138,alsoinvitedtheSecretary-Generaltocontinuetosolicitviewsonthereportoftheindependentexpert.The "3 presentreportcontainsasummaryofthecommentsandobservationsprovidedbythoseconsultedpursuanttotheabove X#4 resolutionsandrelatesadditionalviewsoftheSecretary-Generalontheimplicationsofthereportsrecommendations. $l5 ThepresentreportthereforeupdatesthecommentscontainedindocumentsE/CN.4/1998/85andAdd.1andCorr.1and $0 6 shouldbereadtogetherwiththem. % 7 4.  CommentswerereceivedfromtheGovernmentsofCubaandNewZealand.Commentswerealsoreceivedfrom ,'|"9 theJointUnitedNationsProgrammeonHIV/AIDS(UNAIDS)andtheUnitedNationsEducational,Scientificand '@#: CulturalOrganization(UNESCO).Commentshavebeenreceivedfromthefollowing interestedperson,inthemeaning ($; ofCommissiononHumanRightsresolution1998/27:Mr.IonDiaconu,memberoftheCommitteeontheElimination x)$< ofRacialDiscrimination.ThefulltextsofthesecommentsareavailableforconsultationinthefilesoftheSecretariat. <*%= l#       ! !X!    UKUS.,    E.: 9 AIQ!!EII. @ SUMMARYOFTHERECOMMENDATIONSOFINDEPENDENTEXPERT +'?  @  @: ANDCOMMENTSRECEIVEDTHEREON ,'@  m3"US.,UK.,    ' X: 9 X'    a3?+ 9 AIQ!X?  A.Towardsuniversalratification .`)B 5Recommendationsoftheindependentexpert /*D 5.  Accordingtotheindependentexpert,universalratificationofthesixcoreUnitedNationshumanrightstreaties  1p,F wouldestablishthebestpossiblefoundationforinternationalendeavourstopromoterespectforhumanrights.Inhis  finalreport,hemadefourspecificrecommendations:(a)consultationswiththeleadinginternationalagenciestoexplore t _theirpotentialinvolvementinaratificationcampaign;(b)appointmentofspecialadvisersonratificationandreporting 8 andtheearmarkingoffundsforthosepurposes;(c)examinationofspecialmeasurestostreamlinethereportingprocess L forStateswithsmallpopulations;and(d)grantingparticularattentiontoothersubstantialcategoriesofnon-parties  (E/CN.4/1997/74,paras.14,31-35,111).  Governmentcomments  \ 6.  TheGovernmentofCubawasoftheviewthateffortstoachieveuniversalratificationofthehumanrights    treatiesshouldnotbelimitedtothesixthatarereferredtoasthe principalhumanrightstreaties,intheviewofthe X   Governmenterroneouslyso.Itexpressedconcernthatthereorientationoftechnicalcooperationprogrammesofthe  l  UnitedNationsinthefieldofhumanrightstowardspromotionofratificationwouldmeanadiversionofscarcefunds  0  awayfromtheprioritiesestablishedbythecountriesrequestingassistance.   CommentsbyUnitedNationsagenciesandbodies ,|  7.  UNAIDSacknowledgedtheimportanceofrespectforhumanrightsinthecontextofitspolicyandprogrammes,   aswellasthoseofitsco-sponsors.UNAIDShadlongemphasizedthatthefulfilmentofhumanrights,inadditiontoits x  owninherentvalue,wascrucialtocombatingthespreadofthevirusandlesseningtheimpactonthosealreadyinfected. < Whilewelcomingtheactivitiesofoneofitsco-sponsors,UNICEF,inpromotingtheuniversalratificationofthe P ConventionontheRightsoftheChild,UNAIDSagreedthatagenciesshouldbefurtherencouragedtopromote  ratificationofthecoretreatiesthathavenotyetbeenaswidelyratifiedasthatConvention.UNAIDSexpressedsupport  forthesuggestionoftheindependentexpertthattheHighCommissionerforHumanRightsshouldconsultwiththe L agenciestoascertainwhatinitiatives,ifany,agencieswerepreparedtoundertakeinordertoencourageStateswithwhich ` theyweredealingtoratifythecoretreaties. $ B.N 9 AIQ!XB   @N B. @ Thereportingprocess:theproblemofsignificantlyoverduereports,dealing \  @N  @ withthetimelysubmissionofreportsandconsolidationofreports  p AH+ 9 AIQ!N 9 XHRecommendationsoftheindependentexpert  8.  Theindependentexpertpointedoutthatnon-reportinghadreachedchronicproportions.Hesuggestedthat,in 0  additiontoconsideringreformstotheoverallsystem,anewspeciallytailoredprojectfortheprovisionofadvisory D! servicesshouldbedesignedandimplemented.Inrespondingtocasesofpersistentdelinquency,alltreatybodiesshould " beurgedtoadoptprocedureswhichwouldeventuallyleadtotheexaminationofcountrysituationsevenintheabsence |# ofareport.Suchanapproachshouldreflectthoroughresearchandleadtodetailed,accurateandcomprehensive @ $  concludingobservations(ibid.,paras.37-45,47,112). !T% 9.  Theindependentexpertnotedthatthepresentreportingsystemfunctionedonlybecauseofthelarge-scale "' delinquencyofStateswhicheitherdidnotreportatall,orreportedlongaftertheduedate.Ifmanyweretoreport, P#( significantexistingbacklogswouldbeexacerbated,andmajorreformswouldbeneededevenmoreurgently(ibid.,paras. $d) 48-52). $( * 10.  TheindependentexpertpresentedseveraloptionsthatwereavailabletoStatestoaddresstheproblemsofthe `&!, reportingsystem(ibid,para.120andpara.36ofthepresentreport).Amongthestepssuggestedtowardsfar-reaching $'t"- reformwerethepreparationof consolidatedreportsortheeliminationofcomprehensiveperiodicreportsintheir '8#. presentformandreplacementbyreportingguidelinestailoredtoeachStatesindividualsituation. (#/ Governmentcomments 4*%1 11.  TheGovernmentofCubaagreedthatthepresentsystemwasunsustainable.Itstressed,however,that + '3 constructive,frankandtransparentdialoguewastheonlywaytoguaranteetheclimateofcooperationnecessaryforthe ,'4 effectiveimplementationofinternationaltreaties.TheGovernmentconsideredthepracticeofsometreatybodiesof D-(5 examiningStatespartiesreportsintheabsenceofrepresentativesoftheStateconcernedtoviolatebasicnormsofdue .X)6 processandturntheconstructivedialogueintoapunitiveprocess.AccordingtotheGovernment,strengtheningofthe .*7 reportingprocessinameaningfulwaycouldonlybedonethroughitsrationalizationandsimplification. /*8 12.  TheGovernmentofCubaconsideredthatthemainsourceofinformationtobeconsideredbytreatybodies 1h,: shouldbethatprovidedbyStatesparties,whetherintheirperiodicreportsorintheadditionalinformationoftenprovided  attherequestofatreatybody.Whencommitteesmadeuseofothersourcesofinformation,theGovernmentbelieved t thatitshouldbe,asaminimum,transmittedtotheStatepartyconcerned.Transparencyintheprocessingofinformation 8 andthepublicscrutinyofsuchsourceswereofvitalimportanceinpreventingpoliticalmanipulationoftheactivitiesof L treatybodiesandinfosteringaclimateofcooperationandmutualconfidenceinrelationswithStatesparties.Itcalled  uponthetreatybodiestoembark,withurgency,ontheelaborationofclearguidelinesconcerningtheadmissibilityof  informationprovidedbysourcesotherthanStatesparties. H  13.  TheGovernmentofCubaagreedontheneedtoimprovethemethodologyforthepreparationofperiodicreports   byestablishingasfaraspossiblecommonguidelinesamongthevariousbodiesandavoidingduplicationonthematters    onwhichStateswererequiredtoreport.TheGovernmentwasopposedtothepossibilitythattreatybodiesshould X   elaborateselectivecriteriathatdifferentiatedamongStatespartieswhenreportswererequestedfromthem.Italso  l  opposedtherecommendationforconsolidationofreportsbeforethevarioustreatybodies,asthespecialcompetencies  0  ofeachbodyinconcreteareasofhumanrightswouldbelost.   14.  TheGovernmentofCubasuggestedthattheaverageperiodicityofreportsdueunderthetreatiesoffouryears ,|  couldbeextended.ThatwouldnotonlyalleviatetheheavyburdenfacingStatespartiesandtreatybodiestodayin @  preparingandexaminingreports,respectively,butwouldalsoallowmoretimeinwhichthepoliciesandprogrammes   adopteduponrecommendationsoftreatybodiescouldbearfruit. x  15.  TheGovernmentofNewZealandidentifiedoverdueornon-reportingbyStatespartiesasaproblemtobe P addressedasamatterofpriority.Itconsideredthatthedelaysintheexaminationofreportsbytreatybodiesnotonly  underminedtheeffectivenessofthereportingsystem,whichreliedontimelyandregularconsiderationofreportsand  feedbacktoGovernments,butalsoservedasadisincentivetocompliancewithreportingdeadlines.Insomecases, L especiallyinsmallanddevelopingStates,itbelievedthekeydifficultyincomplyingwithreportingobligationswas ` administrativeincapacity.Therewasalsoconcernthatthereportingburdenmightactasadisincentivetoratification $ andwasthereforeabarriertoachievinguniversalratificationofthehumanrightstreaties.TheGovernmentstressedthat  urgentstepsneededtobetakentoaddressthedifficultiesfacingStatesinmeetingtheircurrentreportingobligations, \ andtoencouragenon-reportingStatestoreport.Proceduralandsubstantivereformstoimprovetheeffectivenessand  p efficiencyofthetreatybodies,particularlythoseaimedatensuringtimelyconsiderationofreportsoncesubmitted,would 4 encouragecompliancewithreportingobligationsanddeadlines.TheGovernmentsuggestedthaturgentattentionbe  giventothefollowingareas:reducingthereportingburdenbystreamliningperiodicreportingrequirementsandreducing l duplication;improvingtheworkingmethodsofthetreatybodies;andprovidingadequateresourcesandadministrative 0  supportfromtheregularbudgetoftheUnitedNations. D! 16.  Withrespecttothefirstmatter,theGovernmentofNewZealandsupportedmovestowardsshorterandmore |# focusedreportsconcentratingonsignificantnewdevelopments,themesofinterestandconcernsidentifiedbythetreaty @ $ bodies.Italsoconsideredthatharmonizationofreportingdatesandcyclescouldcontributetoreducingduplicationand !T% facilitatepresentationofthecomprehensivesituation.Inaddition,theGovernmentencouragedadoptionofthefollowing !& additionalsteps:consistentapplicationofapolicyofexaminingthesituationinnon-reportingStatespartiesinthe "' absenceofareport(aswasthepracticeoftheCommitteeonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRights)andaccommodation P#( ofconsolidatedreportingwhenmorethanonereportwasowed. $d) 17.  Withrespecttoitssuggestionforimprovementoftheworkingmethodsofthetreatybodies,theGovernment % + ofNewZealandacknowledgedtheongoingeffortsofthetreatybodiestoimprovetheirworkingmethods,including `&!, throughdelegationofworktopre-sessionalworkinggroupsandrefinementofrulesofprocedure,andrecognizedthat $'t"- therewaslittlemeetingtimeavailablefortreatybodiestodeliberateonwaysofimprovingworkingmethodsinaddition '8#. todischargingtheircorefunctions.Itneverthelessbelievedthatthetreatybodieshadakeyroletoplayinidentifying (#/ waysofovercomingtheproblemsfacingthemandencouragedthechairpersonstotakeinitiativesinproducing p)$0 coordinatedplansforreformandimprovementsthatcouldbespeedilyanduniformlyimplemented. 4*%1 18.  Finally,theGovernmentofNewZealandhighlightedtheneedforprovisionofadequateresourcesand + '3 administrativesupporttothetreatybodiestoenablethemtoadequatelydischargetheirfunctions.Whileitwelcomed ,'4 theincreasedallocationoffundingtoOHCHR,whichservicedtheGeneva-basedtreatybodies,theGovernmentstressed D-(5 thatthetreatybodieswereatthecentreoftheUnitedNationshumanrightsmachineryandthatthenecessaryadditional .X)6 resourcesshouldthereforebeprovidedfromtheregularbudgetoftheUnitedNations. .*7 19.  OtherareasidentifiedbytheGovernmentofNewZealandasrequiringpriorityattentionaredealtwith T0+9 elsewhereundertherelevantsectionsofthepresentreport. 1h,: ЇCommentsbyUnitedNationsagenciesandbodies  20.  UNAIDSagreedthatlarge-scalenon-reportingunderminedthepurposeofthereportingsystem.Itthus 8 supportedtheproposalthatadvisoryassistanceinthepreparationofreportsbeprovidedtoStatesparties.Italso L supportedtheapproach,forStatespartiespersistentlyfailingtoreport,oftreatybodiesdetermining,onacase-by-case  basis,whethertoproceedwiththeexaminationofthesituationinthoseStatesintheabsenceofareport.Further,  UNAIDSwelcomedthesuggestiontoeliminatetherequirementforcomprehensiveStatespartiesreports.Tothisend, H  itagreedthatStatespartiesshouldberequestedtosubmitaninitialcomprehensivereportbutthatsubsequentreports  \ couldbespecificallytailoredinaccordancewiththeparticularsituationineachcountry.Inthisway,thedialogue   betweentreatybodiesandStatespartiescouldbefocusedonspecificissues,suchasHIV/AIDS,andthetimerequired    byStatespartiestoprepareperiodicreportscouldbereduced. X   Commentsbyinterestedpersons  0  21.  Mr.Diaconustatedthatthenumberofreportsdueunderthetreaties,aspresentedintable1ofthereportofthe h  independentexpert,misrepresentedthereportsdueundertheInternationalConventionontheEliminationofAllForms ,|  ofRacialDiscrimination.Sinceseveraloverduereportscouldbecombinedinasinglesubmissionunderthistreaty,each @  Statepartywouldonlyneedtosubmitasinglereporttobeuptodate.Ineffect,astherewereapproximately100States   partieswithreportsoverduein1998,thenumberofreportsoverdueshouldbecountedatabout100.Hefurthernoted x  thattheCommitteeontheEliminationofRacialDiscriminationwasmanagingtoexamineStatespartiesreportswithin < oneyearofsubmission,onaverage. P 22.  Mr.Diaconuconsideredtheproposalforconsolidationofreportsdueunderalltreatiesimpractical.Suchan  approachwouldmaketheprocessesofpreparationandexaminationofreportscumbersomeforbothStatespartiesand L treatybodies.Thespecific,specializedfocusofthedialoguethattreatybodiesandStatespartiesnowengageinwould ` alsobediminished. $ 23.  Mr.DiaconusuggestedthatoneusefulapproachcouldbetogeneralizethepracticeofrequestingfromStates \ partiesupdatingreportsinplaceofcomprehensivereports.Exceptionstothispracticewouldbeinitialandspecial  p reports.Hefavouredrequestingreportsthatfocusedonissuesdeterminedbytreatybodies,whichwouldlimitthemselves 4 toproblemsspecifictoeachStateparty.Suchissuescouldbethoseraisedasconcernsinconcludingobservations,or  theycouldbespeciallyformulatedbytreatybodies. l   C.Problemsinrelationtodocumentation D! v &        UKUS.,     Recommendationsoftheindependentexpert /Cv |# _ uventaUS.,UK.,    '|v    _      UKUS.,    wedtUS.,UK.,        24.  Theindependentexpertsuggestedthattheproposedlimitsondocumentationwereunworkablewithinthe !T% contextofexistingprocedures.Heexpressedtheviewthattheissueneededtobedealtwithinafarmoretransparent !& mannerthanhassofarbeenthecaseandfulljustificationforanycutsneededtobeprovided.TheSecretariatshould "' drawupadetailedoptionspapertoenablethecommitteestoconsidermeasuredandinnovativeresponses(ibid.,paras. P#( 5354,114). $d) 25.  Inaddition,theindependentexpertdrewattentiontothelargevolumeofdocumentationfurnishedtotreaty % + bodiesthatwasnotrecordedofficiallyandcalledforappropriatemeasurestobedevisedbytheSecretariat.He `&!, consideredthepreparationofsummaryrecordstobeanindispensableelementinthesystemandrecommendedthattheir $'t"- timelypreparationshouldbeaccordedpriority.ThecontinuedproductionofboundandeditedvolumesofOfficial '8#. RecordsoftheHumanRightsCommittee(previouslyknownasYearbooks)wasdifficulttojustifyatatimeoffinancial (#/ stringency.Priorityshouldbeaccordedtotransferringtheexistingdataontoelectronicdatabasesandensuringthetimely p)$0 publication,includinginelectronicform,ofallsummaryrecordsassoonastheyareavailable(ibid.,paras.55,5859, 4*%1 115). *H&2 26.  Nocommentswerereceivedonthissubject. ,'4   D.Developmentanduseofelectronicdatabases .X)6 $ &        UKUS.,     Recommendationsoftheindependentexpert ce /*8 _ entaUS.,UK.,    '/    _27.  TheindependentexpertconsideredthenewhomepageoftheOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHuman 1h,: Rightstobeanundulydelayedbutverywelcomedevelopment.Herecommendedthatitbemaintainedandexpanded  andthatastrategytowidenaccessbedevised.Futuredevelopmentofthedatabaseshouldreflectamoresystematic, t consultativeandtransparentprocessthanhadhithertobeenthecase.Anexpertseminarshouldbeconvenedforthat 8 purposeandanexternaladvisorygroupappointed.UNHCRandtheILOshouldconsidermakingtheirvaluable L databasesavailableontheWebtothehumanrightscommunityandothers(ibid.,paras.6066,116).  28.  Nocommentswerereceivedonthissubject. H    E.Publicinformation   \ &        UKUS.,     Recommendationsoftheindependentexpert ce X   _ entaUS.,UK.,    'X     _29.  Theindependentexpertconsideredthepublicinformationmaterialsrelatingtotheworkofthetreatybodies  0  tobehighlyinadequate.Herecommendedthatthetreatybodiesshouldbegivenadirectinputintofuturedecision   makinginthisregard.Hefurtherrecommendedthatapublicinformationbudgetbemadeavailabletosupport h  grass-rootsinitiativesdesignedtodisseminateinformationaboutthetreatybodiesinculturallyappropriateandmore ,|  popularformatsandmedia.Partnershipswithacademicandotherexternalinstitutionsshouldbeexploredinorderto @  enhancethepublicationsprogramme.Anexternaladvisorygroupshouldbeaskedtoreviewthehumanrightsrelated   publicationsprogrammeandmakerecommendations.TheSecretaryGeneralshouldreportontheactualavailabilityof x  treatybody-relatedmaterialsatUnitedNationsinformationcentres(ibid.,paras.6671,117). < 30.  Nocommentswerereceivedonthissubject.    F.Advisoryservices L  &        UKUS.,     Recommendationsoftheindependentexpert rtP $ _ entaUS.,UK.,    '    _31.  Theindependentexpertconsideredthattheadvisoryservicesprogrammehadnotprovidedsufficientsupport \ forsurveysrequiredpriortoratificationofahumanrightstreatyorforthepreparationofreportsbyStatesinneedof  p assistance.Regionalandsubregionaltrainingcoursesinrelationtoreportingwereunlikelytoproduceresults 4 commensuratewiththeircost.Herecommendedthataspeciallydesignedprogrammebedevisedtoaddresstheneeds  inthisareaandthatitbeaccordedpriority(ibid.,paras.7277,118). l  &        UKUS.,     CommentsbyGovernments rtB D! _ ֎entaUS.,UK.,    '    _32.  TheGovernmentofNewZealandagreedontheimportanceofprovidingtechnicalassistancetoStates, |# especiallysmalldevelopingcountries,inmeetingtheirreportingrequirements,bothinrespectofpreparingand @ $ presentingreports.Itbelievedthatgreaterpriorityshouldbegiventoenhancingcoordinationofeffortstoprovide !T% technicalassistancetoStatesinthisareaandencouragedgreaterinformationsharingandcooperationamongthevarious !& intergovernmental,governmentalandnongovernmentalorganizationsinvolvedinprovidingsuchassistance. "'  &        UKUS.,     CommentsbyUnitedNationsagenciesandbodies rt> $d) _ ҒRecoUS.,UK.,    '$    _33.  UNAIDSwelcomedtheindependentexpertssuggestionthatadvisoryservicesortechnicalcooperationinthe % + fieldofhumanrightscouldbeprovidedtoStatesthatdidnothavetheadministrativecapacity,technicalexpertiseor `&!, financialresourcesrequiredtopreparethereports.UNAIDSproposedthatsuchcoursesbeintegratedinto $'t"- comprehensivetechnicalcooperationprojectsandprogrammesatthenationallevel.Inthisconnection,UNAIDSand '8#. itscosponsors,incollaborationwiththeOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRights,couldexplorepossibilities (#/ ofdevelopingcooperativetrainingandadvisoryactivitiesinthefieldofHIV/AIDSrelatedhumanrights.Such p)$0 cooperationwouldcontributetointegratingHIV/AIDSinhumanrightsprogrammesandviceversa.Thisinturnwould 4*%1 reduceoverlapofactivitiesintheUnitedNationssystemandmaximizeavailablehumanandfinancialresources. *H&2   G.Specialreports ,'4  &        UKUS.,     Recommendationsoftheindependentexpert rt< .X)6 _ ИRecoUS.,UK.,    '.    _34.  Theindependentexpertrecommendedthattheeffectivenessof specialreportsand urgentproceduresshould /*8 becarefullyevaluatedbythecommitteesconcerned.Atpresent,thevaluetheyaddedseemedlow.Ingeneral,the T0+9 divisionoflabourbetweenthetreatybodiesandspecialmechanismsshouldbemaintained(ibid.,paras.7879,119). 1h,: Ї &        UKUS.,     Commentsbyinterestedpersons rtU  _ RecoUS.,UK.,    '    _35.  Mr.Diaconustatedthatwhileeachtreatybodyshoulddecideonitsownprocedureforrequestingspecial 8 reports,suchaprocedureshouldbeusedonlyinexceptionalcircumstancesandinawaythatdidnotduplicatethe L examinationofperiodicreports.    H.Consolidationoftreatybodies H   &        UKUS.,     Recommendationsoftheindependentexpert rtX   _ RecoUS.,UK.,    '     _36.  Theindependentexpertcontendedthatinlightofcurrenttrendstheexistingreportingsystemwasunsustainable. X   HepresentedfouroptionsthatwereavailabletoStates:(a)todismisstheconcernasalarmistandtakenoaction;(b)  l  tourgethetreatybodiestoundertakefar-reachingreformsandadapttocopewithexistingandnewdemandsfromwithin  0  existingresources;(c)toprovidegreatlyenhancedbudgetaryresourcestosustainthestatusquo;(d)tocombinesome   elementsof(b)and(c)withtheadoptionofsomefar-reachingreforms.Thelattercouldinclude:thepreparationof h   consolidatedreports(seesectionBofthisreport);eliminationofcomprehensiveperiodicreportsintheirpresentform ,|  andreplacementbyreportingguidelinestailoredtoeachStatesindividualsituation(seesectionBofthisreport);and @  aconsolidation(reduction)ofthenumberoftreatybodies.Ifthepoliticalwillexistedinrelationtothelast,asmall   expertgroupshouldbeconvenedtoexaminemodalities(ibid.,paras.8197,120). x  37.  Nocommentswerereceivedonthissubject. P   I.Amendingthetreaties   &        UKUS.,     Recommendationsoftheindependentexpert rtD ` _ إRecoUS.,UK.,    '    _38.  Theindependentexpertsuggestedthatitwouldbehelpfulfortheproceduralprovisionsofhumanrightstreaties  tobemademoresusceptibletoamendment.Anumberofrecommendationsweresuggestedinhisreportonparticular \ areasthatcouldbesimplifiedthroughamendment(ibid.,para.101).  p 39.  Nocommentswerereceivedonthissubject.    J.Thelanguagequestion 0   &        UKUS.,     Recommendationsoftheindependentexpert ĩ " _ XRecoUS.,UK.,    'h    _40.  Theindependentexpertconsideredthattheimportanceofmaintaininglinguisticdiversityinthetreatybodies @ $ was,formanyreasons,beyonddoubt.However,intheabsenceofasubstantialincreaseinfundsforinterpretation,he !T% believedtherewasaclearneedforthedifferentcommitteestoexplorewaysinwhichworkinggroupsandother !& non-plenarymeetingscouldbeheldwithoutofficialtranslation.Hesuggestedthatgreateremphasisshouldbeattached "' totheabilityofnomineesforelectiontothetreatybodiestoworkinatleastone,andpreferablytwo,ofthethreemajor P#( languages:English,FrenchandSpanish.Wayswouldhavetobefoundinwhichthecontentofmaterialsavailablein $d) onlyonelanguagecouldbedrawnuponmoreefficientlyforthebenefitofthewholecommittee.Considerationwould $( * needtobegiventodelegatingcertainresponsibilitiestoworkinggroupscapableofworkingwithouttranslation(ibid., % + para.106). `&!,  &        UKUS.,     Governmentcomments  '8#. _ @RecoUS.,UK.,    ''P    _41.  TheGovernmentofCubamaintainedthatonlythroughrespectfordiversitycoulduniversalitybeachieved. p)$0 Itheldtheviewthatlinguisticpluralityshouldthereforealsobeguaranteed,inallstagesoftheworkoftreatybodies. 4*%1   K.Cooperationwiththespecializedagenciesandotherbodies + '3  &        UKUS.,     Recommendationsoftheindependentexpert  D-(5 _ * US.,UK.,    'D-:    _42.  TheindependentexpertrecommendedthattheCommissiononHumanRightsshouldrequesttheHigh .*7 Commissionertoconveneahigh-levelmeetingoveraperiodoftwodaysofseniorrepresentativesofthekeyspecialized /*8 agenciesandotherbodies(includingILO,WHO,FAO,UNESCO,UNICEF,UNHCR,UNDP,UNFPAandtheWorld T0+9 Bank),seniorstaffoftheOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRightsandthechairpersonsofthesixtreaty 1h,: bodies.Inordertominimizecostsandcapitalizeonothercoordinationefforts,themeetingshouldtakeplace  immediatelybeforeorafteroneoftheannualmeetingsofthechairpersons.Thepurposeshouldbetoexplorethemost t constructive,appropriate,cost-effective,andmutuallyrewardingmeansofcooperationbetweenthesebodiesandthe 8 humanrightscommittees(ibid.,para.108). L  &        UKUS.,     Governmentcomments   _ { US.,UK.,    '    _43.  TheGovernmentofCuba,whileacknowledgingthatsometreatiescontainprovisionsestablishingtiesbetween  \ theexpertbodiesmonitoringtheirimplementationandcertainoperationalpartsoftheUnitedNationssystemworking   onquestionsofdevelopment,expressedtheviewthatinthemajorityoftreatiesthosetieswereintendedtolimitthe    possibilitythattheagencies,fundsandprogrammesoftheUnitedNationswould,attherequestofthetreatybodies, X   presentinformationontheiractivities.TheGovernmentconsidereditaconcernforcountriesfromtheSouththatthe  l  natureofthosetiescouldbealtered.  0  44.  Inparticular,theGovernmentofCubadrewattentiontothepossibilitythatthesocalled rightsbased h  approachmightchangetheprioritiesoftheagencies,fundsandprogrammestothedetrimentofthelongtermstructural ,|  needsofdevelopingcountries.Bearinginmindthatthehumanrightstreatiesessentiallyaddresstherelationshipbetween @  theindividualandtheState,newdemandswouldbeplaceduponGovernmentsofcountriesfromtheSouthwithoutany   guaranteethatadditionalfinancialresourceswouldbemobilizedforinternationaleffortsfortheirdevelopmentneeds, x  whichwasnecessaryforthefullrealizationoftherightsenunciatedinthetreaties.TheGovernmentfurthersuggested < that,astheactivitiesoftheagencies,fundsandprogrammeswereconcentratedindevelopingcountries,shouldtherebe P establishedanefficientsystemforfollowingupontherecommendationsofthetreatybodies,thesystemshouldbe  establishedinsuchawayastoexertequalinfluenceincountriesoftheNorthasonthoseoftheSouth.  45.  TheGovernmentofCubastatedthattheintentionofconferringupontheconcludingobservationsand ` recommendationsofthetreatybodiesanaturethatservedasvaliddirectivesfortheactivitiesoftheagencies,fundsand $ programmesinthefieldamountedinpracticetoquestioningtheauthorityoftheirintergovernmentalgoverningbodies  todirectthoseorganizations.Finally,theGovernmentstatedthatconcludingobservationsofthetreatybodiesheldno \ automaticrelevancefortheworkofothercomponentsoftheUnitedNationssystem.Forthat,explicitendorsementfrom  p aresolutionordecisionoftheGeneralAssemblywasnecessary. 4 46.  TheGovernmentofNewZealandconsideredthebenefitsofimprovedcooperationbetweenthetreatybodies l andotherpartsoftheUnitedNationssystemtobeentirelyappropriatewheredifferentbodieswereworkingtowardsthe 0  sameobjective,namelythepromotionandprotectionofhumanrightsasestablishedbyinternationallaw.Mechanisms D! forregulardialogue,bothamongtreatybodiesandbetweenthemandotherUnitedNationsbodies,neededtobe " developedandsustained.Inthisregard,theGovernmentofNewZealandattachedimportancetotheusefulrolethatthe |# regularcoordinatingmeetingsofthechairpersonsofhumanrightstreatybodiescouldplayinpromotingdebateonways @ $ inwhichthesystemcouldbeimproved. !T%  &        UKUS.,     CommentsbyUnitedNationsagenciesandbodies  "' _ . US.,UK.,    '">    47.  UNAIDSendorsedtheproposalthattheHighCommissionerconvenehighlevelmeetingsofsenior $d) representativesofthekeyspecializedagenciesandotherbodies,includingUNAIDSanditscosponsors,andthe $( * chairpersonsofthesixtreatybodies.Suchmeetingscouldproveusefulin,interalia,exploringpossiblecooperation % + betweenagenciesandthetreatybodiesasameanstostreamlineandenhancetheworkofthetreatybodiesinthisarea. `&!, Furthermore,UNAIDSconsidereditparticularlyimportantthatagenciesandnongovernmentalorganizationsprovide $'t"- inputtothepresessionalworkinggroupsofthetreatybodies.Additionalinformationcouldbepresentedinoralor '8#. writtenformonStatespartiesreports,therebyenhancingthefocusonspecificareasofconcern,includingonissues (#/ relatedtoHIV/AIDS. p)$0 48.  TheUnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganization(UNESCO)expressedsupportforthe *H&2 organizationofahighlevelmeetingofseniorrepresentativesofthekeyspecializedagenciesandotherbodies,including + '3 UNESCO,andseniorstaffoftheOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRights,withaviewtostrengtheninginter ,'4 agencycooperationinthefieldofhumanrights. D-(5   L.Thequalityofconcludingobservations .*7 f &        UKUS.,     Recommendationsoftheindependentexpert 4 T0+9   US.,UK.,    'T0     1h,: 49.  Theindependentexpertrecommendedthattreatybodiesshouldstrivetofurtherimprovethequalityoftheir  concludingobservations,intermsoftheirclarity,degreeofdetail,levelofaccuracyandspecificity(ibid.,paras.109and t 122). 8  &        UKUS.,     CommentsbyUnitedNationsagenciesandbodies nt   d US.,UK.,    't    50.  UNAIDSagreedthatconcludingobservationsneededtobemorefocused,specificandaccurate.Such H  concludingobservationswouldbeinvaluableinensuringeffectiveimplementationofrecommendationsatnationallevel  \ andenhancingdialoguewithStatespartiesonissuessuchasHIV/AIDS.     M.Otherissues X    51.  Severalresponsesraisedissuesthatwerenotthesubjectofrecommendationsinthefinalreportofthe  0  independentexpert.Thoseviewsaresummarizedinthissection.    &        UKUS.,     Governmentcomments nt ,|   I US.,UK.,    ',Y    52.  Withrespecttothequestionofgeographicaldistributionofmembershipinthetreatybodies,theGovernment   ofCubadrewattentiontothealarmingoverrepresentationoftheWesternandOtherGroupinmostofthetreatybodies. x  ItinvitedtheStatespartiestothevariousinternationalinstruments,aswellasallStatesMembersoftheUnitedNations, < toconsidermeasurestoestablishasystemofquotasbasedonequitablegeographicaldistributionofthemembership, P basedonthegeographicaldistributionoftheStatespartiestothevarioustreaties.Thequotasestablishedundersuch  asystemcouldbeperiodicallyreviewedtoreflectanychangesinthecompositionofStatespartiesthatmayarise.   &        UKUS.,     CommentsbyUnitedNationsagenciesandbodies nt9 `  systUS.,UK.,    '    53.  UNAIDSnotedtheimportanceofthegeneralcommentsandrecommendationsmadebytreatybodies,which  servedtointerpretorelaboratefurtherthevarioustreatyprovisions,providedguidancetoStatespartieswhenreporting, \ summarizedthecurrentpracticesofthetreatybodies,andclarifiedlanguageanddefinitionsrelatingtothevariousrights.  p Inthisconnection,UNAIDSsuggestedthattreatybodiesbeencouragedtoundertaketheelaborationandadoptionof 4 generalcommentsorrecommendationsinrelationtoHIV/AIDS.  54.  UNAIDSnotedwithsatisfactionthatanumberofrelevantgeneralcommentsandrecommendationshadalready 0  beenadoptedbytreatybodiesonsuchtopicsastherighttonon-discrimination,therighttoprivacy,freedomof D! expression,freedomofmovement,therighttoeducationandtherighttohealth.TheseallhaveabearingonHIV/AIDS. " Itencouragedtreatybodiestoadoptfurthergeneralcommentsthatmaybeusefulinthisregard,suchasonthe |# righttowork,therighttoenjoythebenefitsofscientificprogress,therighttolibertyandsecurityofpersonandtheright @ $ tofreedomofassemblyandassociation,toassistStatesinclarifyingmajorpreventionandcareissuesrelatingto !T% HIV/AIDS. !& 55.  UNAIDSwelcomedtheinitiativeoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildofholdingadayofgeneral P#( discussionon ChildrenandyoungpeoplelivinginaworldwithHIV/AIDS.Thisdayofgeneraldiscussion,heldon $d) 5October1998,contributedtoraisingawarenessofissuespertainingtochildreninfectedby,affectedbyandvulnerable $( * toHIV/AIDS,andledtotheadoptionofrecommendationsbytheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildonwaysinwhich % + StatescanbetterreportonthisissueandfurtherintegrateHIV/AIDSrelatedstrategiesintotheirnationalpoliciesand `&!, programmes.UNAIDSencouragedothertreatybodiestoengageinsimilardiscussionsonHIV/AIDSrelatedrightsin $'t"- ordertopromoteunderstandingoftheircontentandimplications. '8#.  &        UKUS.,     Commentsbyinterestedpersons nt  p)$0  systUS.,UK.,    'p)    56.  Mr.DiaconusuggestedseveralimprovementsinrelationtotheexaminationofStatespartiesreportsthatcould *H&2 beundertakenimmediately.First,alltreatybodiescouldimprovetheirmethodsofwork,reducerepetitionandmake + '3 betteruseofavailablemeetingtime.Second,theconclusionsandrecommendationscouldbepreparedinamoresuccinct ,'4 manner,whilemaintainingexpressionsofconcernwhereappropriateandrelevantrecommendationsthereon.More D-(5 numerousandbetterpreparedstaffinthesecretariatcouldassistthetreatybodiestobetterfulfiltheirresponsibilities. .X)6 Anongovernmentalorganizationcouldbeentrustedwithcollectingandpresentingthenecessaryinformationto .*7 membersoftreatybodiesinanimpartialmanner.Mr.Diaconuconsideredthatitwouldbedifficulttoacceptthatthe /*8 secretariatbeentrustedwiththetaskofpreliminaryexaminationofreports,orthattheroleofexpertsandthedialogue T0+9 withStatespartiesbelimitedtoawrittenprocedure,attheriskoflosingthemostvaluabletoolatthedisposalofthe 1h,: treatybodiestoday,namelydirectandeffectivedialogue.    III.OBSERVATIONS 8 57.  Theachievementofuniversalratificationofthemaininternationalhumanrightstreatiesremainsatoppriority  oftheUnitedNations.TheHighCommissionerforHumanRightsiscommittedtoachievinguniversalratificationby  2003and,incollaborationwiththeSecretary-General,hasperiodicallyappealedtoStatestoratifythosetreatiestowhich H  theyarenotalreadyaparty.  \ 58.  ThequestionofratificationhasreceivedhighpriorityindiscussionsundertakenbetweentheOfficeoftheHigh    CommissionerforHumanRightsanditskeypartneragenciesanddepartmentsintheUnitedNationssystem.A X   noteworthyexamplewasthememorandumofunderstandingconcludedin1997betweentheOfficeandthe  l  UnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme(UNDP),inwhichthepromotionofratificationofthehumanrightstreaties  0  featuredprominentlyasacommonobjective.Aprogrammeentitled HumanRightsStrengthening(or HURIST)has   beendevelopedjointlybytheOfficeandUNDPtomakeavailablepracticaltoolsfortheimplementationofthe h  memorandumofunderstandingduringtheperiod19992001.Through window3ofHURIST,aseriesofworkshops ,|  isforeseen,tobeheldattheregional,subregionalornationallevelwiththeparticipationofrepresentativesofStatesthat @  arenotpartiestomostoftheprincipaltreaties.Theworkshopswouldaimatenablingindepthdiscussionamong   participantsontheobstaclestoratificationandformulationofconcretestrategiestoovercomethem,inkeepingwiththe x  requestofthe1993WorldConferenceonHumanRights          1      fortheSecretaryGeneraltoinitiateadialoguewithnonStates < parties. P       UKUS.,    estaUS.,UK.,        59.  Inaddition,theHighCommissionerforHumanRightshasbeenworkingtoelaboratearegionalstrategyfor  eachmajorgeographicregion.Oneofthemainelementsofsuchastrategyisthenominationofregionaladvisers. L JusticeP.N.BhagwatiisassistingasregionaladvisertotheHighCommissionerforAsiaandthePacific.Amongthe ` principalresponsibilitiesoftheregionaladvisersistoengageinahighlevelpolicydialoguewithseniorofficialsof $ countriesintheregiononallareasrelatingtohumanrights,includingthequestionofratificationofthehumanrights  instruments. \ 60.  Thesituationwithrespecttooverduereportshasremainedaseriousissue.Inthemostextremecase,over40 4 percentoftheStatespartiestotheInternationalCovenantonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRightshavefailedtosubmit  eventheirinitialreports.TheexistenceofalargenumberofStatesthatdonotcomplywiththeirreportingobligations l detractssignificantlyfromthecapacityofthetreatymonitoringsystemtoserveitsintendedpurpose. 0  61.  Whilenoclearconsensushasyetbeenreachedonthedesirabilityofconsolidatingreportsdueunderthevarious " treaties,anumberoftreatybodieshavemovedtowardsamorefocusedexaminationofStatespartiesreports.Thisis |# mostapparentinthelistsofissuesorquestionsformulatedbymosttreatybodiesrequestingclarificationonspecificparts @ $ ofStatespartiesreportsoronspecificrights.Practicaldifficulties,however,remaininreducingthereportingburden !T% onStatespartiesatthepointwhereitwouldbemostuseful,namelybeforethepreparationoftheirreports.Thereis, !& therefore,aneedforfurtherreflectiononwaystostreamlinethereportingprocess. "' 62.  Tomaketherequirementsofthereportingprocessasclearaspossible,thesecretariathas,attherequestof $d) variousbodies,beguntoproduceseveralcompilationsofbasicinformationfromthetreatybodiesofrelevancetothat $( * process.PursuanttoGeneralAssemblyresolution53/138,acompilationofreportingguidelinesofthesixhumanrights % + treatybodiesisbeingpreparedandistobeissuedbythetimeofthefiftysixthsessionoftheCommissionasdocument `&!, HRI/GEN/2.Thecompilationofgeneralcommentshasbeenupdatedandwillsoonbeissuedasdocument $'t"- HRI/GEN/1/Rev.4.Inaccordancewitharequestemanatingfromthe11thmeetingofchairpersonsofthehumanrights '8#. treatybodies,anewdocumentoutliningtherecentreportinghistoryofallStatespartiestoallthetreatiesistobe (#/ preparedannuallythatwouldlistthelastperiodicreportsubmittedundereachtreatyandeitherthenextreportdueor, p)$0 iftheStatepartywasnotuptodatewithitsobligations,anyoutstandingperiodicreports.Thesedocumentsshould 4*%1 clarifythesituationofallStatespartieswithrespecttothereportsduefromthemunderthetreaties,notonlyforStates *H&2 partiesbutalsofortheinterestedpublic.Inaddition,acompilationoftherulesofproceduresofallthetreatybodiesis + '3 alsobeingprepared. ,'4  D-(5 63.  ThesedocumentswillsoonbeaccessibletothegeneralpublicthroughtheUnitedNationsHumanRights  Website(www.unhchr.ch),asarealargenumberofdocumentsissuedbyandsubmittedtothetreatybodies. t ConsiderableprogresshasbeenmadeinrecentyearsinrelationtotheWebsiteandthetreatybodiesdatabasewhichis 8 linkedtotheWebsite.InformationonthatsubjectiscontainedinthereportoftheSecretaryGeneraltothefiftysixth L sessionoftheCommissionontheimplementationofresolution1998/27oftheCommission(E/CN.4/2000/106).  64.  ConcerningtheadvisoryservicesprovidedbytheUnitedNations,trainingprogrammesonthepreparationof H  Statespartiesreportstotreatybodiesareaimedatimpartingskillsandinsightshelpfultofulfillingtheirreporting  \ obligations.Countriessendingparticipantsareencouragedtoprovidethenecessaryopportunitiesfortheir   representativestotraincolleaguesworkinginareasofrelevancetothereportingprocessupontheirreturnfromsuch    programmes.Inaddition,anumberoftrainingworkshopsandprogrammesonreportinghavebeenorarebeing X   undertakenatthenationallevelwithintheframeworkofthetechnicalcooperationprogrammeoftheUnitedNationsin  l  thefieldofhumanrightsandthePlanofActiontostrengthenimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsofthe  0  Child.Whilethemainpurposeofsuchworkshopsistrainingtherelevantdomesticaudience,includingrepresentatives   ofallministriesandagenciesthatwouldeventuallybeinvolvedinthereportingprocess,theyalsohaveasecondary h  effectofalreadycontributingtotheformationofadomesticnetworkforthepreparationofreports.Forthecountries ,|  thatparticipatedinsuchtrainingworkshops,the concentratedassistancerecommendedbytheindependentexperthas @  proventobequitebeneficial.DetailsonthoseprojectsiscontainedindocumentE/CN.4/2000/105.   65.  Finally,mosttreatybodiesareseekingtostrengthentheircooperationwiththeirpartnersintheUnitedNations < system.InadditiontothealreadyclosecooperationbetweentheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildandthe P UnitedNationsChildrensFund,strongprogresshasbeenmaderecentlybetweentheCommitteeonEconomic,Social  andCulturalRightsandUNDP.Anumberofotherspecializedagenciesalsocontributeregularlyoroccasionallytothe  workofthetreatybodiesonspecificmattersofdirectrelevancetotheirownwork.Thechairpersonsoftreatybodies L haveregularlydiscussedwithrepresentativesofUnitedNationsdepartments,bodiesandspecializedagenciesthestate ` ofcooperationbetweenthemandthetreatybodiesattheirannualmeetings.Themeetingsofchairpersonscouldbeused $ astheforumforthetypeofdiscussionsrecommendedbytheindependentexpert.