429. The High Council of the Judiciary which comprises the following persons is chaired by the President of the Republic: -The Minister of Justice, Vice Chair; -The first President of the Supreme Court; -The Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme Court; - Ten judges elected by their peers; -Six personalities selected by the President of the Republic based on their competence. 430. In order to hold valid deliberations, the High Council of the Judiciary (CSM) shall have at least two-thirds majority of its members present. 431. The decisions of the CSM shall be declared by majority votes. In the event of a tie, the President has casting vote. 432. The CSM enjoys financial independence. 433. The CSM is competent in matters of appointments, promotions, transfers and discipline of judges. 434. A National Advisory Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (CNCPPDH) was established by the President of the Republic on 9 October 2001. It is composed of 44 members including 16 women from civil society; it is founded on the principle of sociological and institutional pluralism. The CNCPPDH is regulated by Ordinance No. 0904 of 27/07/2009. 435. T h e Commission is an advisory body on respect for human rights with monitoring, early warning and evaluation functions; it is an independent institution responsible for considering situations of human rights violations identified or brought to its attention and for taking any appropriate actions, raising awareness and carrying out social communication and information advocacy campaigns towards the promotion of human rights including providing advisory opinions on national legislation towards its improvement. Similarly, it is incumbent upon it to: - promote research, education and teaching of human rights in all cycles of education and in socio-professional circles; - consider and provide advice and recommendations, where necessary on national legislation and regulation for their improvement; - contribute to reports that the State must present to the United Nations bodies and committees and regional institutions in accordance with these international commitments; - develop cooperation in the area of human rights, particularly with United Nations Organs, regional mechanisms and NHRIs as well as with other countries and national and international NGOs; - ensure mediation activities as part of its mandate in order to improve relations between public authorities and citizens. 436. The Commission prepares an annual report on the human rights situation which it presents to the President of the Republic. This report is made public. The Commission can also submit proposals, specific or thematic reports to improve the promotion and protection of human rights. 71