A/HRC/4/9 page 5 warning, urgent action and follow up mechanisms, and with a view to enhancing the Committee’s capacity to consider minority issues within its work. A second substantive dialogue has been requested by the Committee. The Independent Expert has also requested official dialogues with the Human Rights Committee and the Committee on the Rights of the Child in 2007. 6. The Independent Expert is required to cooperate closely, while avoiding duplication, with regional organizations. As an example of her regional engagement, in its resolution entitled “Combating Racism and All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance and Consideration of the Draft Inter-American Convention against Racism and All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance” (AG/RES.2168 (XXXVI-O/06)), the OAS General Assembly requests the Inter American Commission on Human Rights “to continue intensifying dialogue and cooperation with” the Independent Expert on minority issues, including on the Draft Inter-American Convention against racism. She has also engaged in consultations with OAS member States, and supported by OHCHR, held an international expert consultation in January 2007 aimed at assisting regional and national institutions in regard to standard setting and effective mechanisms to combat discrimination and protect the rights of minorities. 7. Of considerable benefit has been the opportunity for the Independent Expert to meet directly with representatives of minority communities from all regions, notably at the twelfth session of the United Nations Working Group on Minorities, in August 2006. During this session she held a forum for minority representatives to consult directly with her, raise questions, and bring issues to her attention. She has benefited greatly from information provided to her by civil society, academic and research organizations. During official missions to Hungary and Ethiopia, she has equally made it a priority to meet with representatives of minorities in order to solicit their views. 8. The Commission on Human Rights, in its resolution 2005/79, decided to amend the mandate of the Working Group on Minorities so that it may, inter alia, focus its work on “conceptual support of, and dialogue with the independent expert, who shall participate as an observer”. The Independent Expert has benefited from formal and informal consultations with the members of the Working Group and its Secretariat, and highlighted her support for a dedicated forum for minority issues. She notes the Working Group’s unique functions, including important conceptual development work and the provision of access for minorities themselves to attend sessions and make their voice heard within the United Nations. During the Working Group’s twelfth session, the strong potential for constructive collaboration was demonstrated, and the issue of policing, security and criminal justice in multi-ethnic societies was identified amongst areas of future joint initiative. 9. The Independent Expert has devoted close attention to the particular situations faced by women from minority groups. Women and girls from disadvantaged minority groups experience multiple and intersectional forms of discrimination based on both their minority status and their gender. Such multidimensional discrimination may make them particularly vulnerable to violation and denial of their rights in both public and private life, including violence and sexual assault. To mark International Women’s Day in March 2006, the Independent Expert issued a statement calling for greater attention to the situation of minority women who face multiple discrimination.