International Human Rights and the International Human Rights System A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions This ensures a firm foundation for NHRI participation in the HRC, though without any clarity on what the nature of that participation should be. The former Commission on Human Rights had permitted NHRI participation only in the debate on the agenda item in which NHRIs themselves were discussed and it did so not on the basis of rules of procedure but through an annually renewed arrangement by the Bureau of the Commission. Late in its life, the Commission decided to extend the participation rights of NHRIs but that decision had not been implemented by the time the Commission was abolished. In fact, the practices observed by the Commission on Human Rights in relation to NHRI participation were very limited. The GA resolution, however, contained a direction to the HRC on “ensuring the most effective contribution” of NHRIs and, on that basis, the HRC agreed, in its institution building package, to very comprehensive participation.8687 NHRIs accredited with “A status” have full observer status in the HRC. They now have participation rights more than those of ECOSOC-accredited NGOs and, in many respects, comparable to those of observer States. They are entitled to attend and participate in all sessions of the HRC, both regular and special sessions, apart from the small number of meetings that are private or confidential. An NHRI intending to be present at a session of the HRC can accredit its representatives in advance so that they can be given UN badges to enter the buildings and attend the session.87 “A status” NHRIs are entitled to make oral statements to the HRC on any item on the agenda of the HRC session. The length of statements can vary. Oral statements are made in person, by a representative of the NHRI, at an HRC session during the debate on the agenda item to which the statement relates. They are usually limited to three minutes but on occasion they may have a shorter limit, such as two minutes. Being entitled to speak is not the same as being permitted to speak. Not every NHRI that wants to speak may be able to speak. There may be a time limit on the debate for an agenda item, with the available time allocated to member States, then observer States, then NHRIs and NGOs. NHRIs usually share an allocation of time with NGOs. Speaking slots will be allocated according to the order of registration on a speakers’ list and the debate will be concluded at the end of the total time allocated, regardless of whether there are more speakers on the list who have not been heard.88 It is important, therefore, for NHRIs to register early on the speakers’ list if they want to be assured of being given the opportunity. The speakers’ list is kept by OHCHR staff at a desk in the HRC meeting room. The HRC President announces when the list opens for each agenda item. “A status” NHRIs may make written statements to the HRC. Written statements should be no longer than 2,000 words and should be relevant to the HRC’s Programme of Work for the particular session. “A status” NHRIs may submit other documents, for example, investigation reports, policy papers, studies and other publications, to the HRC. The documents should relate to a particular HRC agenda item. They should not exceed a reasonable number of pages – not more than 30 to 40 pages. These documents will receive an official UN document symbol and number. The HRC does not provide facilities to translate these documents and so they should be submitted in at least one of the working languages of the UN in Geneva, namely English, French or Spanish. 86 HRC Resolution 5/1. 87 For information about NHRIs attending HRC sessions, including information about accrediting representatives, see: www2.ohchr. org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/nhri.htm. 88 The exception is during debate in the HRC plenary of the Universal Periodic Review report on a State, when the NHRI of that State has a guaranteed opportunity to speak and a special place in the debate to do so, immediately after the State representative. Chapter 5: Human Rights Council | 33