International Human Rights and the International Human Rights System A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions 3. EXPERT MECHANISM ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES The HRC established the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to provide continuing advice to it on these issues.166 The Expert Mechanism has five members, elected with “due regard to experts of indigenous origin”.167 Like the Advisory Committee, the focus of the Expert Mechanism’s work is studies and research-based advice on issues referred to it by the HRC.168 It can also propose research areas for the consideration of the HRC.169 To date the Expert Mechanism has undertaken or is undertaking studies on: • indigenous peoples’ right to education • indigenous peoples and the right to participation in decision-making • language and culture in promotion and protection of the rights and identity of indigenous peoples. The Expert Mechanism meets once a year for five days, usually in July.170 States and organizations entitled to participate in HRC sessions, including “A status” NHRIs, are entitled to attend those meetings and to participate in the discussions.171 As at meetings of the HRC, they can make written and oral statements on items on the agenda and organize parallel events. 4. SOCIAL FORUM The HRC convenes an annual Social Forum as “a unique space for interactive dialogue between the United Nations human rights machinery and various stakeholders, including grass-roots organizations, and underlines the importance of coordinated efforts at national, regional and international levels for the promotion of social cohesion based on the principles of social justice, equity and solidarity as well as to address the social dimension and challenges of the ongoing globalization process”.172 It is seen as “a vital space for open and fruitful dialogue on issues linked with the national and international environment needed for the promotion of the enjoyment of all human rights by all”.173 The annual Forum occurs over three days, usually in October. Each Social Forum has particular themes determined by the HRC. Participants in the Social Forum include HRC member States and observers that participate in meetings of the HRC, including “A status” NHRIs and ECOSOC-accredited NGOs. However, the HRC also permits the participation of other NHRIs and NGOs, in accordance with its wish for a broad, inclusive participation. It wants to include in particular “newly emerging actors such as small groups and rural and urban associations from the North and the South, anti-poverty groups, peasants’ and farmers’ organizations and their national and international associations, voluntary organizations, youth associations, community organizations, trade unions and associations of workers, as well as representatives of the private sector, regional banks, and other financial institutions and international development agencies”.174 The chairperson of the Social Forum is appointed by the HRC President from among persons nominated by the UN regional groups, taking into account annual rotation of the position among the groups.175 166 HRC Resolution 6/36 adopted on 14 December 2007. The Expert Mechanism is the successor to the Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, established by the former Commission on Human Rights. 167 HRC Resolution 6/36; para. 4. 168 HRC Resolution 6/36; para. 1(a). 169 HRC Resolution 6/36; para. 1(b). 170 HRC Resolution 6/36; para. 8. 171 HRC Resolution 6/36; para. 9. 172 HRC Resolution 6/13; para. 3. 173 HRC Resolution 6/13; PP. 4. 174 HRC Resolution 6/13; para. 10. 175 HRC Resolution 6/13; para. 6. Chapter 8: Other permanent mechanisms of the Human Rights Council | 57