Chapter 3 - Report of the Research and Policy Development Group The Commission, in its capacity as an ICC Bureau Member, participated in the Bureau Meetings held in Geneva, Switzerland, in May and in Accra, Ghana, in November. The Commission’s Chairman, Tan Sri Hasmy Agam, attended the meeting in Accra. It adopted several resolutions to strengthen the organisational structure, and to formalise internal processes relating to finances and staff management. The ICC Strategic Plan for 2014-2016 and the ICC Implementation Plan for 2014 were also discussed. The Commission believes that active engagement with the HRC is essential to engender more meaningful deliberations on human rights issues among member-states and stakeholders at the UN level. Input by NHRIs is needed to inform the discussions and to provide a more accurate perspective of the human rights situation on the ground. 2. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (HRC) The Commission continued its engagement with the HRC by submitting two video statements to the 24th Regular Session held in September. The statements were in relation to the Summary Report of the Consultation on the Promotion and Protection of the Human Rights of Older Persons, and the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Extractive Industries and Indigenous Peoples. Video, written and oral statements are among the forms of contributions made by NHRIs. These are crucial in increasing and enhancing the visibility and recognition of NHRIs in the HRC. In its statement on older persons, the Commission stressed that, while existing human rights instruments and standards can serve as a framework in addressing such rights, it is of the view that the development of a specific international convention on older persons is befitting. This would reinforce standards and provide for a more focused and integrated mechanism, leading to greater respect and fulfilment of the human rights of this target group.1 The Commission’s statement on Indigenous Peoples2 highlighted the importance of recognising their right to customary land, the principle of free, prior and informed consent, and the adoption of a human rights-based approach to development in ensuring that the rights of Indigenous Peoples are protected. The Commission also called on the Government to give serious and urgent consideration to adopting and implementing the recommendations in the Report of the National Inquiry into the Land Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Malaysia. The two statements were well-received by stakeholders and the Commission’s counterparts from other countries. 1 2 See Appendix II for transcript of the Commission’s video statement on older persons See Appendix II for transcript of the Commission’s video statement on Indigenous Peoples 97