A/HRC/10/56 page 9 IV. IMPLEMENTATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL RESOLUTION 6/36, INCLUDING CONSIDERATION OF THEMATIC EXPERTISE 16. The Chairperson-Rapporteur invited delegations to make general statements on the implementation of the mandate of the Expert Mechanism. He stated that the item provided an opportunity to discuss the scope of the mandate, expectations and methods of work of the new body about its thematic focus and how to enhance cooperation and avoid duplicating the work of other mandates. 17. He invited observers to provide the Expert Mechanism with concrete suggestions about possible proposals to the Council so that the members could take them into account in their deliberation under agenda item 6 (see annex II). The members of the Expert Mechanism encouraged States, United Nations agencies, indigenous peoples, non-governmental organizations and other delegations present at the session to engage in a frank and constructive dialogue and invited them to actively contribute to the work of the Expert Mechanism. The importance and need to benefit from the expertise and experience of indigenous peoples were stressed. 18. A number of States, including Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Denmark, Guatemala, Indonesia, Mexico, Nepal, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, the Russian Federation and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), took the floor to underline the need for coordination to be established among the Expert Mechanism, the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, to ensure effectiveness and credibility and to avoid duplication of activities. 19. The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, James Anaya, and a member of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Michael Dodson, also recognized the challenges ahead for the three mechanisms to coordinate their work and establish fruitful cooperation, thus ensuring complementarity. 20. Referring to the research-based and study-oriented nature of the mandate of the Expert Mechanism, the Special Rapporteur stated that he expected the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to be an important focal point of the Mechanism’s research and studies on issues of concern to indigenous peoples. 21. The Special Rapporteur further elaborated on his own role, noting that he would focus primarily on examining specific situations of violations of indigenous peoples’ human rights, and said that he would complement the Expert Mechanism by providing input to its thematic mandate rather than by engaging in thematic studies. He informed the meeting participants that OHCHR staff assisting his mandate would be available throughout the session of the Expert Mechanism to receive communications and documentation of alleged human rights violations of indigenous peoples and individuals. 22. All participants welcomed the establishment of the Expert Mechanism and pledged support for its work. The first session was seen as a historic moment, as it represented the start of a new phase in the promotion and protection of indigenous peoples’ rights. Tribute was paid to the achievements of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations; while some acknowledged that