E/CN.4/2006/74 page 19 74. A particular need exists for mainstreaming minority issues in areas of United Nations work relating to poverty reduction and the promotion of political and social stability. Existing best practices in regard to the mainstreaming of gender perspectives should be considered and replicated as appropriate. Existing “focal point” methodologies may be used to assist in mainstreaming initiatives, especially in regard to staff training and capacity-building needs on minority issues across the United Nations system. 75. Training and information initiatives should benefit all United Nations field staff, to ensure they are able to identify and monitor minority issues within their specific area of responsibility. This will increase their capacity to provide expert technical assistance to Governments when required. V. ACTIVITIES Consultations 76. From 19 to 21 September 2005, the independent expert visited Geneva and met with the High Commissioner for Human Rights and members of the High Commissioner’s staff, to discuss the independent expert’s mandate. She also held consultations in Geneva with representatives of the diplomatic missions of Austria (sponsor of the resolution establishing the independent expert’s mandate), Ethiopia (for the Group of African States), Armenia (for the Group of Eastern European States), Mexico (for the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States), and Ireland (for the Group of Western States). She also met with members of the diplomatic missions of Hungary and Switzerland. Finally, the independent expert held a joint consultation in Geneva with several NGOs. 77. On 22 September 2005, the independent expert visited London and held consultations with the NGOs Minority Rights Group International and Amnesty International. During these meetings, the independent expert solicited the views of NGO representatives on possible areas of focus for her mandate and discussed the prospect of future cooperation. 78. On 28 September 2005, in Washington D.C., the independent expert was consulted by representatives of minority communities in Bangladesh and, on 20 October 2005, by representatives of Haitian communities living in the Dominican Republic. Communications 79. On 7 September 2005, the independent expert joined the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants in sending a letter to the Government of the Dominican Republic concerning the situation of Haitians residing there. The independent expert and Special Rapporteurs provided the Dominican Republic with six questions about the situation there and asked the Government of the Dominican Republic to respond within 60 days. As of 5 January 2006, the independent expert had received no response. 80. In addition, on 2 November 2005, the independent expert joined the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the