International Human Rights and the International Human Rights System A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions 8. MECHANISMS The HRC works through a number of mechanisms, including the Universal Periodic Review and the special procedures. It has other permanent and ad hoc mechanisms. The next chapters of the manual deal with these various mechanisms and how NHRIs can engage with them. KEY POINTS: CHAPTER 5 • The Human Rights Council is the UN’s principal specialist human rights body. • It was established by the General Assembly in 2006 as the successor to the UN Commission on Human Rights. • It is an intergovernmental body, with 47 member States, and is a political body, not an independent, expert, legal body. • It has a broad mandate to deal with all human rights issues and situations. • It meets in regular session three times a year and in special session as required. • NHRIs with “A status” have extensive participation rights in the Human Rights Council, including the right to make oral statements in all sessions on all agenda items. 36 | Chapter 5: Human Rights Council