CHAPTER 5 - REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ISSUES AND COOPERATION COMMITTEE • NHRIs and the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) • The new Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child • Increased engagement between NHRIs and the Human Rights Council (HRC) and other UN mechanisms, particularly the Treaty Bodies and Special Procedures Chairman Tan Sri Hasmy Agam and Commissioner Detta Samen at one of the sessions of the ICC24 in Geneva Apart from highlighting the key challenges confronting NHRIs across four regions – Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas – the ICC24 observed the increasing need for NHRIs to identify and monitor domestic human rights situations that may undermine peace and sustainable development, and to advise governments and civil society on feasible solutions that are compliant with human rights. As a Bureau Member of the ICC, the Commission contributed to the Bureau Meetings held on 16 May and 10 October in Geneva and Seoul respectively. The Commission was also involved in the development of the ICC Operational Plan for the period from November 2011 to March 2013. This will serve as a core reference for the ICC in advancing its mandate as an international network of NHRIs. The Bureau Meetings identified several important issues to be discussed at the next ICC General Meeting, including a panel discussion on IPs. The Commission has been invited to share its experience 90