International Human Rights and the International Human Rights System A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions NHRIs have been specifically identified as organizations entitled to nominate candidates for appointment to SP mandates.143 They can also comment on or support particular candidates who are under consideration for appointment during the consultations undertaken by the Consultative Group and the HRC President. Appointments to mandates are very important decisions that will have a significant effect on the promotion and protection of human rights through the international system and on the development of international human rights law. NHRIs are able to influence those decisions through their engagement with the nomination and selection process. 5. FUNCTIONS143 Although the mandates given to SPs vary, there is some uniformity in their methods of work. Most SPs: • undertake studies, through which they contribute to the development of international human rights law • investigate situations of human rights violation arising under the mandate • conduct country visits • receive and consider complaints from victims of human rights violations and intervene with States on their behalf • issue urgent action requests • promote the mandate • report to the HRC and to other intergovernmental bodies, such as the GA, on their findings, conclusions and recommendations. The complaint handling function is discussed in Chapter 13 of this manual, along with the complaint handling procedures of the HRC itself and those of the treaty monitoring bodies. 5.1. Special procedures acting jointly Many human rights situations involve a number of human rights and many SPs have mandates that can overlap in certain circumstances. As a result, many SPs may have responsibilities that are relevant to the same human rights situation. In exercising their mandates and undertaking their functions, SPs cooperate and act jointly to address complex issues in comprehensive ways. They can: • conduct joint visits to a country • issue joint statements to the HRC and the media • make joint recommendations to States • submit joint reports to the HRC. When SPs act jointly they demonstrate the interrelatedness of human rights and the integrated nature of international human rights law and mechanisms. They also add strength to the views they express, as joint statements reflect common views and avoid inconsistency. 5.2. Annual reports to the HRC and GA All SPs are required under their mandates to make an annual report to the HRC. Many also make an annual report to the GA. The reports can cover any subject within the mandate that the SP wishes 143 HRC Resolution 16/21; Part II.A.; para. 22(a). 50 | Chapter 7: Special procedures