E/CN.4/2006/74 page 5 Introduction 1. The outcome document of the 2005 World Summit of Heads of State and Government, approved by the General Assembly, notes that “the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities contributes to political and social stability and peace and enriches the cultural diversity and heritage of society” (para. 130). The independent expert welcomes this high-level consensual acknowledgement by Heads of State and Government of the important role of minority rights in achieving key global, regional and national objectives. 2. In his report, In larger freedom, towards security, development and human rights for all (A/59/2005), the Secretary-General highlights the importance and interconnectedness of human rights, development and security. The independent expert believes that respect for minority rights is critical to achieving stable and prosperous societies, in which human rights, development and security are achieved by all, and shared by all. 3. The dynamics of majority/minority relationships lead to the emergence of a range of minority issues which provide opportunities and challenges for States and societies as a whole. Such issues, in all spheres of life, are identified and articulated both by minorities and by States seeking to manage diverse societies. Within this wider context of minority issues, the normative framework provided by minority rights should be understood as a necessary element to ensure integrated societies and to promote social inclusion and cohesion. In such societies, various national, ethnic, religious and linguistic groups are able to live confidently together, communicate effectively, and recognize value in their differences and in their society’s cultural diversity. 4. Many violations of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights have a basis in discrimination, racism and exclusion on the grounds of the ethnic, religious, national, or racial characteristics of the victim group. At the same time, emerging best practices in the field of human rights promotion, particularly in promoting economic, social and cultural rights, stress the value of diversity and social inclusion. 5. The independent expert welcomes the Plan of Action of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with the Secretary-General’s reform agenda, and its dual goals of protection and empowerment. She believes that work carried out within her mandate must adhere to, and constructively advance, the objectives of the Plan of Action, and its strategy to address key challenges to human rights. In drafting this report, the independent expert has consulted closely regarding key elements of the Plan of Action. She hopes to reflect its recommendations in her methods of work, activities and partnerships. In particular she welcomes the focus on implementation at the national level as key to addressing the “protection gap” that exists with regard to minority rights. She also notes the positive aspects of the OHCHR’s Plan of Action with respect to the empowerment of minority communities and the enrichment of cultural diversity. 6. The current report consists of five parts. In chapter I, the independent expert will provide a brief overview of the bodies, activities and instruments of the United Nations system she believes are most relevant to minority issues. In chapter II, she will share her initial