Minority rights focus in the United Nations 37 There may be many different motivations for visiting a particular country. These include the mandate holder having received information raising concern over the situation of minority groups there. Equally, the Independent Expert may seek to visit a country where a constructive political environment exists in which the Government demonstrates a willingness to protect and promote the rights of minorities. This offers the possibility of studying both challenges and positive practices in relation to minority issues which the Independent Expert may wish to share with other States. The Independent Expert has a global mandate that commits him or her to conduct visits to all regions. By the end of her mandate in July 2011, the first Independent Expert had visited Hungary, Ethiopia, France, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Greece, Kazakhstan, Canada, Colombia, Viet Nam, Rwanda and Bulgaria. NGOs play a vital role in country visits and are consulted by the Independent Expert during planning, the visit itself and preparation of the report and recommendations. Indeed, NGOs can play a valuable role in encouraging States to accept a visit request from the Independent Expert or another mandate. NGOs are an important source of information relating to the situation of minorities and minority issues, and the Independent Expert meets with them during the course of country visits. NGOs often assist with facilitating visits to and consulting with minority communities. NGOs frequently use the reports and recommendations of the Independent Expert to assist them in their domestic and international advocacy work on behalf of minority communities, and their work is essential in following up on the Expert’s activities. Communications The Independent Expert welcomes information, including allegations of violation(s) of the human rights of minorities and on minority issues, from a variety of sources, including NGOs, minority organizations, intergovernmental organizations and other United Nations bodies concerned with the protection of human rights. The Independent Expert analyses information received and decides whether or not to take action, and the nature of that action. Letters of allegation and urgent appeals to specific States are frequently inspired by information received by NGOs and minority communities themselves. In most instances, the mandate of the Independent Expert focuses communications on situations affecting wider minority communities and which have an impact on numerous members of minority groups, rather than addressing individual cases. For example, communications have been sent which concern the planned or imminent eviction of a minority community from their homes or land, and the alleged detention or ill-treatment of numerous members of a minority due to their legitimate human rights activities on behalf of their community. However, all information received is treated on its merits and the Expert will consider action on cases concerning individuals belonging to minority communities who have faced violation of their rights as a result of their minority identity. Communications commonly reflect the four broad areas of concern identified above; they may also be related to the thematic work undertaken by the mandate. In addition, the Independent Expert often issues joint communications with other mandate holders where appropriate. The role of the Independent Expert in identifying “best” or “successful” practices and opportunities for technical cooperation by OHCHR requires a form of engagement with States that differs from the monitoring and reporting function of some other mandates. Hence, the Independent Expert may request information from a State about its legislation, policy and practice in relation to a particular minority issue. The Independent Expert also values information from NGOs which identifies positive practices by States and other actors in regard to minority issues.