centres. The Independent Expert also convenes expert consultations, seminars and workshops linked to thematic priorities, with the aim of developing recommendations and guidelines. The Independent Expert reports annually to the Human Rights Council. Given the breadth of work that demands attention with respect to minority issues, the initial work of the Independent Expert focused on three broad strategic priorities: A. To increase the focus on minority communities in the context of poverty alleviation and development The Independent Expert is concerned that minorities and other marginalised communities are failing to benefit from international efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. In her report to the Human Rights Council in 2007, the Expert highlights that poverty is both a cause and a manifestation of the diminished rights, opportunities and social advancement available to members of minority communities. She notes the need to work closely with States and all other development actors, including minorities themselves, to promote programmes, policies and activities that fully take into account the needs and rights of minorities. She has identified UNDP as a key UN agency for close collaboration, and seeks to identify successful practices and implementation strategies, including poverty reduction strategies, to assist States in their consideration of minority issues. Full and effective participation of minorities in framing the policies and decisions that affect them is a guiding principle of the Independent Expert’s work. She also considers that the collection and use of disaggregated data, which reveals inequalities between communities, to be an important tool in the development field and for minority communities generally. She is working to promote the importance of appropriate disaggregated data and to deliver technical assistance to States in this respect. B. To increase the understanding of minority issues in the context of ensuring stable societies Minority rights, inclusion and equality play an important role in the promotion of political and social stability, and peace. This has been recognized at the highest level of the UN and is stated in the outcome document of the 2005 World Summit of Heads of State and Government, approved by the General Assembly. The implementation of law and policy relevant to inclusion and equality, and effective strategies for social cohesion, are therefore important goals for the Independent Expert. The Independent Expert recognizes that exclusion, discrimination and racism directed at minority groups may result in social unrest. There is a need to better understand the causes and prevalence of discrimination against minorities in order to effectively address such situations. The Independent Expert highlights to States the significant benefits of legislative and policy reform that seeks to promote effective strategies of social cohesion, equality and non-discrimination. She also recognizes the need for mechanisms, including indicators, which may act as early warning systems for potential conflict situations. C. To mainstream the consideration of minority issues within the work of the United Nations and other important multilateral forums In the Independent Expert’s annual report to the Human Rights Council in 2008, the thematic focus was on issues relating to the discriminatory denial or deprivation of citizenship as a tool for exclusion of national, ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. The report notes that minorities often face Chapter 11: UN Standards and Mechanisms 155