International Human Rights and the International Human Rights System A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions States that are notorious human rights violators are now less likely to present themselves as candidates as they risk being defeated in the election. Some that have nominated have been compelled to withdraw their nominations and others that have proceeded into the election have been defeated. The election process provides an advocacy opportunity for NHRIs to promote the election to the HRC of States that are supportive of human rights and the international human rights system. NHRIs have no speaking rights in the GA and no votes but an NHRI can contribute by: • encouraging supportive States to seek election to the HRC • influencing the lobbying and the voting of its own Government, either for or against particular candidate States. 5. MEETINGS HRC sessions are held in the Palais des Nations, the UN headquarters in Geneva.74 The HRC meets at least three times each year in ordinary sessions for a total of at least ten weeks.75 To date, it has met for four weeks in March, three weeks in June and three weeks in September. It also meets in a special session when so requested by a third of its members.76 A view of the park surrounding the Palais des Nations, with the Manship Sphere in the foreground. UN photo by Jean-Marc Ferré. 74 GA Resolution 60/251; OP. 1. For information about all sessions of the HRC, both the ordinary sessions and the special sessions, see: www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil. 75 GA Resolution 60/251; OP. 10. The former Commission met in a single annual session for six weeks. 76 GA Resolution 60/251; OP. 10. 30 | Chapter 5: Human Rights Council