E/CN.4/2006/74 page 2 Summary This is the first report submitted by the independent expert on minority issues, Gay McDougall, as required by Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/79. The initial report of the independent expert requires more than a narrative of activities undertaken by the mandate-holder. This report will provide a short background on developments within the United Nations system with regard to minority issues, the independent expert’s analysis of her mandate, her planned methods of work, areas of priority concern, and a summary of her activities taken to date. The Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities adopted by the General Assembly in its Resolution 47/135 (hereinafter the Declaration on the Rights of Minorities) informs the scope of the independent expert’s mandate. As do article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, article 30 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international and regional conventions, declarations and standards. The independent expert will consistently highlight the significant benefits that accrue to States in recognizing and actively promoting minority group contributions. The independent expert notes that no other United Nations special procedures mandate provides an opportunity to look holistically at the positive value of minority inclusion. In addition, while other mechanisms address categories of violations that may be directed against minorities, the minority rights component of such violations is often neglected. The independent expert considers her mandate as essential to filling this gap. The independent expert believes that normative frameworks relating to minority issues continue to be poorly implemented. In particular, the effect minority rights have in the fields of poverty reduction and the promotion of political and social stability require greater understanding and acknowledgement. Minorities in all regions of the world continue to face serious threats, discrimination and racism, and are frequently excluded from taking part fully in the economic, political and social life of their country. Today, minority communities face new challenges, including counter-terrorism legislation, policies and practices that may unjustly impede or even violate minority rights. The independent expert’s methods of work are modelled on those of other thematic mechanisms, with due regard for the particular features of her mandate. Among other activities, she will develop her pages on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) website as a resource on minority issues and participate in relevant expert seminars and conferences. She will engage in constructive consultation with Governments, including by communications and country visits, and facilitate technical cooperation. She will also meet with non-governmental organizations (NGOs); minority groups; United Nations agencies, bodies and mechanisms; regional and other inter-governmental organizations; and academic, legal, research and policy development centres.