Preventing Torture An Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions - Updated Edition • the right to submit documentation (reports, policy papers, etc.) and make written statements for inclusion in the official record of meetings • dedicated seating • NHRIs can also organise side events on issues relevant to the work of the Human Rights Council. As reported by the UN Secretary-General, between September 2018 and July 2019, 43 national human rights institutions delivered statements orally, in writing or by video during the Human Rights Council’s sessions, submitted documentation, participated in general debates, organized side events or interacted with special procedure mandate holders.110 Insights from practice: On the occasion of the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) / National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture (NPM) of Morocco, in cooperation with the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), organised an online side event (webinar) on “African NPMs, opportunities and challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic”. 2.1. Special procedures The fact-finding and investigatory mechanisms of the Human Rights Council are collectively known as the special procedures. These include Special Rapporteurs, Special Representatives of the SecretaryGeneral, Independent Experts and working groups mandated by the Human Rights Council with the aim of documenting human rights violations on particular themes or country situations. The strength of these special procedures lies in their independence; mandate holders are human rights experts appointed in an individual capacity. The following special procedures are of particular relevance for the prevention of torture: • Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment • Working Group on Arbitrary Detention • Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances • Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions • Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism • Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences • Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons • Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities • Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity • Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association • Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants 110 96 See UN Doc. A/74/226, para. 63.