E/CN.4/2006/74 page 15 the Protection of National Minorities at the Council of Europe, expressing her desire for future collaboration and sharing of information and expertise. She will also consult with other mechanisms including those of the African Union (AU), and those of the Organization of American States (OAS). The independent expert remains available in an advisory capacity to all regional and other bodies pursuing work on minority and related issues. (e) To take into account the views of non-governmental organizations on matters pertaining to his or her mandate 55. The independent expert recognizes that NGOs have been instrumental in establishing her mandate. She realizes that NGOs are often uniquely positioned to provide timely information on situations involving minorities. As such, she will seek regularly to meet and consult with NGO representatives, particularly those directly representing minority communities, and she will solicit their views. She will establish specific guidelines about how NGOs should submit information to her. These will be published and made available through online sources, including her page at the OHCHR website, and within the pamphlet noted above. In all appropriate activities relevant to her mandate she will consult with and seek the participation of representatives of minority groups. 56. The independent expert considers that NGOs have a vital role to play in the fulfilment of her mandate in the provision and dissemination of information relating to minorities, to civil society networks and directly to minority communities. She will work closely with NGOs to encourage the dissemination of information to rights holders. A counterflow of information relating to minority issues and the situations of minorities, including legislation relating to minorities, will be encouraged to her office and other relevant bodies. 57. The independent expert also acknowledges the work of numerous academic, legal, research and independent policy development organizations regarding minority issues. She will consult with these organizations in all aspects of their work relevant to her mandate. She will also aim to develop linkages between these institutions, United Nations bodies and agencies, States and minorities. IV. AREAS OF CONCERN AND PRIORITIES FOR THE INDEPENDENT EXPERT’S INITIAL TWO-YEAR MANDATE 58. At this early stage of her mandate, it is not possible for the independent expert to provide a comprehensive picture of the human rights situation of minorities around the world. However, drawing on information received by bodies, including the Working Group on Minorities, and from numerous communications by NGOs, it is possible to identify and group together some of the concerns that are being raised consistently within minority communities in all regions. 59. The independent expert encourages States to recognize that attaching appropriate value to ethnic and cultural diversity is conducive to fostering inclusive national identities and the rewards of stability and development. This is especially true within States that have become increasingly heterogeneous within a relatively short period of time. In some States, important debates about language, religion, social inclusion, political participation, citizenship, poverty and identity often assume a negative tone that is not conducive to social cohesion or harmony.