Minority rights focus in the United Nations 39 preserves confidentiality of sources of testimonies, if divulging them might cause harm to those involved. In submitting information, include all relevant documentation in support of the issues being brought to the attention of the Independent Expert (e.g., recent reports of NGOs or research bodies, national or international media reports, or electronic links to such sources). All communications relevant to the mandate of the Independent Expert should be addressed to: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Palais des Nations 8-14, Avenue de la Paix CH-1211 Geneva 10 Switzerland E-mail: minorityissues@ohchr.org Minority representatives are also encouraged to follow relevant news and share information on the Independent Expert’s Facebook page. However, communication via Facebook does not qualify as official submission; formal communication must be made via the mandate’s official e-mail or postal address. Other relevant mechanisms In addition to the Independent Expert on minority issues, a number of the Council’s special thematic mechanisms are of particular relevance to members of minorities and minority advocates. A brief description of four of these mechanisms follows, and each is described more fully on the OHCHR website. Of particular note is the fact that both the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, and the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance may contact States directly regarding allegations that rights that fall within their respective mandates are being violated, and may request that they adopt measures necessary to ensure that the rights are respected and individuals protected. Information may be provided to all the special procedures mandate holders at any time, so long as it is well documented, presented in a manner that can be readily understood by the mandate holders and appropriately related to the terms of the mandate. Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief Although many people think primarily of national or ethnic groups when they think of “minorities”, discrimination against religious minorities is also a serious problem around the world. The Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief was created in 1986, originally as the Special Rapporteur on religious intolerance; the name was changed in 2000. The Special Rapporteur’s mandate includes the authority to transmit urgent appeals to States on individual cases where freedom of religion or belief has been violated; undertake on-site fact-finding missions, upon the invitation of a Government; and submit an annual report to and engage in an “interactive dialogue” at the Human Rights Council, as do all of the special procedures mandate holders. A model questionnaire has been developed for individual complaints to the Special Rapporteur, the objective of which is “to have access to precise information on alleged violations of freedom of religion or belief”. While use of the questionnaire is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. The Special Rapporteur has also developed a framework for communications that details the applicable international legal standards, arranged by subtopics such as freedom to change