A/73/176 17. In spite of those standards and the specific laws and measures adopted in several countries in Latin America directed at protecting indigenous peoples in isolation and initial contact, information received by the mandate holder shows that they still face serious threats to their lives, physical integrity, health, cultures, territories and resources. Those threats mainly arise from the presence and activities of external actors, including illegal miners, loggers and those involved in organized crime, as well as State laws and policies that favour natural resource exploitation and infrastructure development in the territories inhabited and used by indigenous peoples. Of particular concern is the increase in the number of c ontacts with isolated peoples, notably in Brazil, Ecuador and Peru. 18. The conclusions drawn from the working meeting highlight the need to redouble efforts to improve protection for the territories and environment of indigenous peoples in isolation and initial contact, in line with international standards. States should refrain from implementing actions that affect the lands, territories and resources of indigenous peoples in isolation and initial contact, while improving the existing protection mechanisms and providing those mechanisms with adequate human and financial resources. It is essential to include neighbouring indigenous communities, institutions and organizations in the formulation and implementation of protection measures for these peoples, including land demarcation, health and contingency protocols, early warning systems and conflict prevention measures. 19. There is also a need to develop and adequately implement differentiated policies directed at indigenous peoples in initial contact in the areas of health, land rights and prior consultation and consent regarding measures and activities affecting them. Particular attention must be given to the situation of indigenous women in isolation and initial contact. 20. Along with strengthened measures at the national level, inter-State coordination is also necessary to address the threats faced by indigenous peoples living near borders. Many of the territories, as well as the legal and illegal activities affecting indigenous peoples in isolation and initial contact, are transboundary in nature and require joint coordinated actions by Governments, civil society and indigenous peoples’ organizations across borders. D. Country visits to Mexico and Guatemala 21. Since reporting to the General Assembly in 2017, the Special Rapporteur has conducted two official country visits, to Mexico, from 8 to 17 November 2017 ( see A/HRC/39/17/Add.2), and to Guatemala, from 1 to 10 May 2018 (see A/HRC/39/17/Add.3), upon invitation by the two Governments. 22. Mexico has played an important role in supporting the advancement of the indigenous agenda at the international level, including the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. At the national level, the recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights to autonomy and self-determination in article 2 of the country’s Constitution is a significant advancement, as are initiati ves to facilitate their political participation. Nevertheless, more needs to be done to make these initiatives effective and address the root causes of indigenous peoples ’ marginalization. 23. During the country visit, the Special Rapporteur observed serio us patterns of exclusion and discrimination against indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples are overrepresented among the poor, with 71.9 per cent of the indigenous population living in poverty or extreme poverty, as compared with 40.6 per cent of the non-indigenous population. With regard to education, the picture is similar. In the 6/23 18-11856