Chairwoman Hautala met Director of office of Human Rights Commissioner, Isil Gachet, on 15.9.2009. Ms. Hautala expressed strong interest in enhancing the cooperation between the two institutions and this was followed up promptly by the High Commissioner´s office by way of proposing cooperation concerning the European Parliament annual Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Ms. Hautala invited the High Commissioner on Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, to attend DROI meeting and address the members and he agreed to do this on 22nd October when DROI holds deliberations in Strasbourg.