Table 2 (continued) Mechanism Organisation Activities Forum on Minority Issues United Nations • Identifies and analyzes best practices, challenges, opportunities and initiatives for the further implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities • Provides a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues pertaining to persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, which shall provide thematic contributions and expertise to the work of the independent expert on minority issues (e.g. minorities and the right to education, 2008, minorities and political participation, 2009) Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (PFII) United Nations • Provides expert advice and recommendations on indigenous issues to ECOSOC as well as to programmes, funds and agencies of the UN • Raises awareness and promotes the integration and coordination of activities related to indigenous issues within the UN system • Prepares and disseminates information on indigenous issues • Receives information from groups on thematic issues under consideration by the PFII Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples United Nations • Provides thematic expertise and recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council on indigenous issues • Receives information from groups on thematic issues under consideration by the Expert Mechanism Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent United Nations • Reviews by theme the problems of racial discrimination faced by people of African descent living in the Diaspora • Engages in policy advice and normative development • Conducts country visits and makes recommendations on legislative and policy reform Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide United Nations • Collects existing information, in particular from within the UN system, on massive and serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law of ethnic and racial origin that might lead to genocide • Makes recommendations to the UN Secretary-General and Security Council • Liaises with UN system on measures for genocide prevention Chapter 3: Fundamental Rights and Principles 29