International Human Rights and the International Human Rights System A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions
As part of the “institution building package” in its first year of operation, the HRC has adopted operating
principles, rules of procedure and a standard agenda and framework for its work at all regular sessions.77
The operating principles are:
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universality
impartiality
objectivity
non-selectiveness
constructive dialogue and cooperation
predictability
flexibility
transparency
accountability
balance
inclusive/comprehensive
gender perspective
implementation and follow-up of decisions.78
The agenda and framework for the three regular sessions held each year79 are set out below.
Item 1
Organizational and procedural matters
• Election of the Bureau
• Adoption of the annual programme of work
• Adoption of the programme of work of the session, including other business
• Selection and appointment of mandate-holders
• Election of members of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee
• Adoption of the report of the session
• Adoption of the annual report
Item 2
Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and
reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General
• Presentation of the annual report and updates
Item 3
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and
cultural rights, including the right to development
• Economic, social and cultural rights
• Civil and political rights
• Rights of peoples, and specific groups and individuals
• Right to development
• Interrelation of human rights and human rights thematic issues
Item 4
Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention
Item 5
Human rights bodies and mechanisms
• Report of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee
• Report of the complaint procedure
Item 6
Universal Periodic Review
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HRC Resolution 5/1 adopted on 18 June 2007.
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HRC Resolution 5/1; “V Agenda and framework for the programme of work”; part A.
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HRC Resolution 5/1; “V Agenda and framework for the programme of work”; part C.
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