BOX 2 (continued) Table 2 (continued) Mechanism Organisation Activities High Commissioner on National Minorities OSCE • Identifies and seeks early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States using quiet diplomacy • Engages in policy advice and normative development Contact Point on Roma and Sinti OSCE • Supports the implementation of the OSCE Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma Within the OSCE Area • Engages in policy advice on Roma and Sinti issues, including in cooperation with community representatives Advisory Committee on the FCNM Council of Europe • Reviews State reports and make recommendations on rights implementation for national minorities • Accepts alternative (‘shadow’) reports from CSOs on treaty implementation • Produces expert opinions on application of the FCNM (i.e. as Thematic Commentaries) Committee of Experts on Issues relating to the Protection of National Minorities (DH-MIN) Council of Europe • Acts as a forum for the exchange of information, views and experience on policies and good practices for the protection of national minorities • Considers transversal issues relevant to CoE member • States and supports European cooperation on issues relating to the protection of national minorities • Prepares draft opinions on relevant issues European Roma and Travellers Forum (ERTF) and the Committee of Experts on Roma and Travellers (MG-S-ROM) Council of Europe • ERTF is an elected forum with a mandate to promote the human rights of Roma and Travellers in Europe; it is independent but works in close cooperation with the Council of Europe • The MG-S-ROM has a mandate to study, analyse and evaluate the implementation of policies and practices of member States concerning Roma and Travellers • Engages in policy advice and the development of Guidelines Working Group on Indigenous Populations/ Communities African Union • Reviews the situation of indigenous peoples in Africa, making recommendations to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights • Receives information from groups on issues of concern • Conducts country visits and makes recommendations on legislative and policy reform Special Rapporteurs on: Organization of the Rights of People of American African Descent and States (OAS) Racial Discrimination; and on Indigenous Peoples 30 • Conducts country visits and makes recommendations on legislative and policy reform • Receives and may respond to communications from groups on issues of concern • Engages in policy advice and normative development M A R G I N A L I S E D M I N O R I T I E S I N D E V E LO P M E N T P R O G R A M M I N g