E/CN.4/2006/19 page 27 xenophobia faced by people of African descent, but also to pay particular attention to manifestations that are linked to the themes discussed during annual sessions. 11. The choice of country to visit will be based on factors such as the relative number of people of African descent living in the given country, the existence and degree of effectiveness of specific programmes/policies designed to address the discriminatory treatment faced by people of African descent. Such a choice will also be informed by relevant information received on the situation of people of African descent from Governments, non-governmental organizations or other pertinent sources. V. Focus for the years 2006-2008 12. During the years 2006 to 2008, the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent will focus on the following. A. Promoting respect for the human rights of people of African descent 13. Advocacy: The Working Group intends to engage with Governments, international organizations and institutions, non- governmental organizations and other actors, as appropriate, in dialogue to raise awareness and encourage the implementation of measures to enhance the protection of the human rights of people of African descent. This will be done through its annual sessions, which will thematically cluster issues concerning people of African descent and, when suitable, by organizing meetings with those actors, and through country visits. 14. Promotion: The Working Group will encourage the adoption and implementation of programmes aimed at combating discrimination against people of African descent, including through the identification of and recommendations on specific measures; contribute to developing guidelines on good practices in this regard to assist Governments, civil society organizations and other actors involved in developing and implementing programmes aimed at the social and political inclusion of people of African descent. 15. Dissemination: The Working Group will engage in the collection, assessment and dissemination of good practices in specific areas, which could constitute useful tools to address problems faced by people of African descent, including through country visits; B. Dialogue with Governments, non-governmental organizations and other actors 16. Undertaking country missions: The Working Group will undertake one or two country visits per year to gather information on the situation of people of African descent and on different policies and programmes and their effectiveness and/or shortcomings, and to develop recommendations for resolving ongoing problems. 17. Partnerships with civil society: The Working Group will identify steps to intensify cooperation with non-governmental organizations and civil society organisations to support their efforts in promoting and protecting the rights of people of African descent. Collaborative links