The special procedures of the Human Rights Council are independent human rights experts with mandates to report and advise on human rights from a thematic or country-specific perspective. The system of special procedures is a central element of the United Nations human rights machinery and covers all rights: civil, cultural, economic, political, and social. As of 01 May 2024, there are 60 special procedures ( 46 thematic mandates and 14 mandates relating to countries or territories) with currently 87 mandate-holders of which 86 are active. The mandate of the independent expert on human rights situation on Syria will start upon closing of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic.