A/HRC/13/23 communications in the form of letters of allegation, urgent appeals and thematic communications. The independent expert has consequently sent communications in relation to numerous situations involving minorities. Communications have been sent jointly with other relevant thematic mandate holders and details are reflected in the summary reports of cases transmitted to Governments and replies received of those mandates.2 6. The independent expert participated in the Durban Review Conference of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, held in Geneva between 20 and 24 April 2009. She was one of a panel which included the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Stéphane Hessel (a drafter of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights) and Ms. Berthe Kayitesi (a Rwandan genocide survivor), who spoke during an opening event entitled “United against Racism”. The independent expert was a panellist and moderator in side events on social exclusion in South Asia and on minorities and policing in multi-ethnic societies. She presented a statement to the plenary session regarding the global situation of minorities facing racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and called for greater attention by all States to the plight of minorities experiencing inequality, poverty and violence. 7. The independent expert also moderated the daily side event entitled “Voices” during the Durban Review Conference. “Voices” provided a platform for 16 women and men from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds to share their experiences and provide a human face to issues addressed by the Conference. Participants related personal and community experiences of racially motivated violence, exclusion and poverty caused by discrimination and racism. 8. The independent expert fully supports the outcomes of the Durban Review Conference and urges States to fulfil their obligations and commitments in the area of antiracism, non-discrimination and equality. She has encouraged and supported new and emerging initiatives to combat long-standing and entrenched manifestations of discrimination in all regions; for example, the independent expert welcomes and urges further discussions on the draft United Nations principles and guidelines for the effective elimination of discrimination based on work and descent as an important contribution to the global struggle to combat discrimination on the grounds of work and descent which often affects members of minority groups. 9. The independent expert places a high priority on the issues of minority women throughout her work. Women belonging to minorities experience unique challenges and multiple or intersectional discrimination emanating from their status as members of minorities and as women or girls. The independent expert has continued the practice of holding dedicated forums for minority women during her country visits in 2009 in order to seek their views and concerns and to inform her country-specific and thematic recommendations. 10. The independent expert, in collaboration with Minority Rights Group International, held a panel discussion entitled “Minority Women and Effective Political Participation”, during the second session of the Forum on Minority Issues, in complement to discussions in 2 GE.10-10198 During the period under review, the independent expert joined communications to: Afghanistan, Bulgaria, China, the Dominican Republic, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Italy, Serbia, Slovakia and the Syrian Arab Republic. Details of these communications are included in the summary reports of cases transmitted to Governments of the mandates including: the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression; the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief; the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; and the Special Rapporteur on the right to education. 5