CHAPTER 5 - REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ISSUES AND COOPERATION COMMITTEE The ICC 23 witnessed the adoption of the first ICC Strategic Plan for 2010-2013 which was a result of broad consultations involving the ICC and OHCHR. The Plan was also developed based on discussions derived from the Bureau Meeting held in Rabat, Morocco in November 2009. The Commission had participated at that meeting in its capacity as incoming Bureau member. The ICC Strategic Plan outlines the strategic priorities and proposed activities that take cognizance of the need to: • Maintain and strengthen the accreditation process for NHRIs; • Enhance NHRI engagement with international and regional human rights systems; • Build partnerships and engage with external stakeholders; • Develop knowledge sharing and internal communications; and • Strengthen the work and functioning of regional organisations of NHRIs. The Commission is supportive of the Strategic Plan which it believes can strengthen the capacity of NHRIs in carrying out their functions and mandates, in improving the national human rights framework as well as cooperation with external stakeholders at international and regional levels. The ICC has been placing strong emphasis on the enhancement of NHRIs’ engagement with the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council (HRC) and its mechanisms in view of the fact that the UN General Assembly is conducting a review of HRC’s status, work and operations. In this respect, the ICC adopted a strategy paper concerning its engagement with the HRC and its mechanism. In support of the ICC’s call, the Commission participated in a survey on NHRIs’ participation in the HRC that seeks to maximise and, where possible, advance the contribution opportunities available to NHRIs in the Council. From 8-10 October, the Commission attended the 10th International Conference for NHRIs hosted by the Scottish Human Rights Commission in cooperation with the OHCHR and ICC, in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. The theme of the Conference was ‘Business and Human Rights: the Role of NHRIs’. This provided an opportunity for NHRIs, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), trade unions and business representatives to share experience and best practices on strategies to enhance the application of human rights norms in the context of the corporate sector. 85