CHAPTER 5 - REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ISSUES AND COOPERATION COMMITTEE It also served as the platform for NHRIs and the UN Special Representative to the Secretary-General (SRSG) on Business and Human Rights to discuss the role and opportunity of NHRIs in supporting the SRSG’s Three Pillars Framework on ‘Protect, Respect and Remedy’, as well as the development of the Guiding Principles on the implementation of the Framework. The Conference adopted the Edinburgh Declaration that aims to enhance the priorities and strategies of NHRIs in promoting business and human rights at the regional and international levels. The Declaration was developed based on the interactive discussions and diverse experiences of participants from across the world. Following the Conference, the Commission participated in a Consultation on the SRSG Guiding Principles for the Implementation of the Three Pillars Framework held from 11-12 October in Geneva. The Consultation was convened by the SRSG to obtain views and input from the civil society representatives on the content of the Guiding Principles, as well as proposed follow-up actions in ensuring the implementation of the framework by all relevant stakeholders. The Framework rests on three key elements: • The State’s duty in international law to protect citizens from the violation of human rights by transnational business; • The corporate responsibility to respect human rights; and • The need for access to effective remedies, including through appropriate judicial or non-judicial mechanisms. The Commission and five other NHRIs that attended the Consultation developed a joint statement that reaffirmed the pro-active role of NHRIs in considering new ways to advance the Framework within their mandates. The statement also called on the SRSG to recognise the centrality of NHRIs in business and human rights under the Framework. The Guiding Principles will be finalised and presented by the SRSG to the HRC for consideration in mid-2011, prior to the conclusion of his mandate. 3. UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW (UPR) 11 February marked the first year after Malaysia’s review at the 4th UPR session. In summary, the Government adopted 62 recommendations, rejected 22 recommendations and responded to 19 recommendations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a UPR briefing session on 11 May to update the civil society on several positive steps taken by the Government to implement the UPR recommendations. 86