Chapter 3 - Report of the Research and Policy Development Group II. INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION DIVISION People are equal, like the teeth of a comb. Nabi Muhammad (peace be upon him), reported by Al-Albani The International Coordinating Division is the focal point for the Commission’s engagement and interaction with its counterparts in other countries, as well as with international, regional and sub-regional bodies dealing with the promotion and protection of human rights. Over the year, the Commission assumed the Chairmanship of the Commonwealth Forum on National Human Rights Institutions. It also played an active role vis-a-vis Malaysia’s second review under the Universal Periodic Review process, among other functions. 1. INTERNATIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE OF NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS FOR THE PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS (ICC) A number of important developments took place in relation to the ICC, the international body representing National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) worldwide. In May, Advocate Lawrence Mabedle Mushwana, Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, took over the Chair of the ICC from Dr Mousa Burayzat, Chairman of the Jordanian National Centre for Human Rights. Advocate Mushwana, who represents the African region, will serve for three years. In May, the revised text of the General Observations was adopted, leading to a more rigorous accreditation system and raising the bar for NHRIs. The ICC made a significant achievement when its members adopted the revised text of the General Observations of the ICC Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA). The ICC exercises an accreditation system, supervised by the SCA, to promote NHRIs’ compliance with the Paris Principles. These underline principles and standards to which NHRIs must adhere in order to ensure effectiveness and independence in promoting and protecting human rights. 95