CHAPTER 5 - REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ISSUES AND COOPERATION COMMITTEE 4. UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW (UPR) The Commission has an important role in monitoring implementation of UPR Recommendations by the Government and other stakeholders. From 21-22 April, the Commission, with expertise provided by the OHCHR, conducted a training workshop on the UPR process for its members and staff. Separate briefing sessions were held for government agencies and representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs). In August, the Commission submitted its UPR Interim Report and, through its ICC representative, presented an oral statement to the HRC18. The Commission’s efforts with regard to the UPR followup were well received by the international human rights bodies and organisations. The Commission welcomed significant changes in the HRC review of the UPR mechanism. These now allow ‘A’ status NHRIs to intervene immediately after the State under review, during the adoption of the outcome report at the HRC plenary session; and provide for a In August, the separate section for contribution of information. Recognising the importance of sharing best practices with regard to the UPR follow-up, the OHCHR Cambodia country office invited the Commission to a Consultation Meeting on the UPR Recommendations between Ministries and Civil Society from 27-28 July in Phnom Penh. The meeting provided an opportunity for government agencies and CSOs to discuss effective ways to follow up on the UPR Recommendations accepted by Cambodia, through joint initiatives by all stakeholders. Commission submitted its UPR Interim Report and, through its ICC representative, presented an oral statement to the HRC18. Apart from sharing its experience in the UPR follow-up process, the Commission assisted in the facilitation of group discussions between the Cambodian Government and CSOs towards developing an action plan on implementation of the UPR Recommendations for that country. 5. SOUTHEAST ASIA NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS FORUM (SEANF) Furthering its role as an independent sub-regional human rights mechanism, SEANF held a Strategic Planning Workshop from 9-11 June in Jakarta, Indonesia. The main objective was to formulate a plan which will define the strategic priorities and directions of SEANF in the coming years. The Five-Year Strategic Plan was adopted by SEANF members in Bangkok, Thailand, on 6 September. It defines the context of work of SEANF from 2012-2016 with specific activities and indicators. An operation plan will be developed by SEANF to ensure the implementation of the Strategic Plan on year-by-year basis. 94