The Council next turned its attention to the review, rationalisation and improvement of special procedures mandates. It first considered the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food; a mandate sponsored by Cuba. General discussion centred on the phenomenon of hunger and its multiple causes and manifestations, rather than the review, rationalisation and improvement of the mandate itself.

The Council then considered the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people; a mandate sponsored by Guatemala and Mexico. All States that took the floor supported the renewal of the mandate. The significant contribution of the Special Rapporteur to the recognition and enjoyment of the rights of indigenous peoples was highlighted throughout the discussion. Particular praise was given to the delegations of Mexico and Guatemala for their short and focused draft resolution renewing the mandate.

During its afternoon session, the Council considered the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Burundi. The Minister for national solidarity, human rights and women’s rights of Burundi, H.E. Ms Immaculée Nahayo, addressed the Council and gave an overview of the current human rights situation in Burundi. The debate that followed focused on the need for continued international support to Burundi in its efforts to strengthen human rights protection.

At the end of the meeting, President Costea made some general remarks about the process of review, rationalisation and improvement of mandates, which gave rise to a short debate.