The HCR has several mechanisms: Advisory Committee, Complaint Procedure, Universal Periodic Review and Special Procedures (39 thematic and 14 country mandates). The HRC expresses itself through decisions and resolutions.

This intergovernmental body gathers in Geneva during 10 weeks per year, divided in 3 annual meetings (March, May-June and September). The points on the agenda and the resolutions are grouped by themes in each meeting. The meeting of March has a High Level Segment, that is attended by authorities of observers and Member States.

The importance of the HCR lies in: (i) Being a forum of discussion of topics, trends and approaches. For example in 2013, the centre of discussion was the post-2015 development agenda, though there are other on-going discussions as gender and traditional values; (ii) generating processes towards voluntary agreements or political statements (e.g. the creation of Intergovernmental Working Groups on the declaration about the rights of the peasants and the declaration on the right to peace, and the Intergovernmental Working Groups on Business and HR and on the Private Military Companies); and in (iii) being a scenario to present the national Human Rights situation and share experiences. 

Participation of Colombia in the 27th session of the HRC:

Colombia participated into its national capacity in three segments of the session. Additionally, it joined to twelve statements made on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States – CELAC-, three statements of the Non-Aligned Movement – NOAL-, and three interregional statements. 

Statements:

• Statement by the Permanent Representative of Colombia in Geneva at the Panel discussion on history teaching and memorialization processes, Geneva, Switzerland, 9 September 2014.
• Statement by the Permanent Representative of Colombia in Geneva at the Panel discussion on the protection of the human rights of persons deprived of their liberty, Geneva, Switzerland, 10 September 2014.
• Statement by the Permanent Representative of Colombia in Geneva at the Panel discussion on the protection of the family and its members. Geneva, Switzerland, 15 September 2014. (This Statement was not delivered due to lack of time, but is posted on the OHCHR webpage).

Other statements:

• Statement by the Permanent Representative of Colombia at the Item 8 of the Agenda, Follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. Interregional statement on drugs and human rights, Geneva, Switzerland, 23 September 2014.