A/67/44 L. Participation of non-governmental organizations 17. At its forty-eighth session, on 11 May 2012, the Committee held an informal meeting with representatives of 17 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that usually provide information to the Committee, and discussed the following issues: the methods of work of the Committee; the harmonization of working methods between treaty bodies; the optional reporting procedure of the Committee; and general comments. 18. The Committee has long recognized the work of NGOs and met with them in private, with interpretation, on the day immediately before the consideration of each State party report under article 19 of the Convention. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the NGOs for their participation in these meetings and is particularly appreciative of the attendance of national NGOs which provide immediate and direct information. M. Participation of national human rights institutions 19. Similarly, the Committee has recognized the work of NHRIs; Country Rapporteurs, together with any other Committee member wishing to attend, have met with the representative of the NHRI, if required, before the consideration of each State party report under article 19 of the Convention. The Committee expresses its appreciation for the information it receives from these institutions, and looks forward to continuing to benefit from the information it derives from these bodies, which has enhanced its understanding of the issues before the Committee. N. General comment on article 14 of the Convention 20. At its forty-seventh session, further to the establishment of an informal working group at its forty-fourth session on the right to reparation, composed of Ms. Gaer, Mr. Abdoulaye Gaye, Mr. Grossman and Ms. Sveaass,1 and the preparation of a draft general comment on article 14 of the Convention and its posting on the OHCHR website for comments (http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cat/comments_article14.htm), the Committee held a public consultation with all stakeholders, on 22 November 2011. In addition to the numerous written comments submitted, approximately 40 States parties and 15 NGOs attended this consultation, which generated extensive comments to the draft. 21. At its forty-eighth session, the Committee continued to discuss the draft general comment on the implementation of article 14 by States parties and began the process of its adoption, with a final reading of the text. O. Reporting guidelines 22. At its forty-seventh and forty-eighth sessions, the Committee continued to discuss the revision of its treaty-specific reporting guidelines, in the light of the harmonized guidelines on reporting under the international human rights treaties, including guidelines on a common core document (as contained in HRI/GEN/2/Rev.6). However, in the light of its continued evaluation of its optional reporting procedure, the Committee discussed the relevance of adopting guidelines for reports submitted under this optional procedure and/or general common guidelines. 1 GE.12-44492 Official Records of the General Assembly, Sixty-fifth session, Supplement No. 44 (A/65/44), chap. I, para. 27. 5