36 PROMOTING AND PROTECTING MINORITY RIGHTS vulnerable to violation and denial of their rights in both public and private life. Women may face particular obstacles to equality both from wider society and within their own communities. The Independent Expert encourages NGOs and States to provide information on the specific situations of minority women and the problems they face in their country, region or locality. Such information might relate to, for example, violence against minority women, unequal access to quality education, underrepresentation of minority women in public and political life, discrimination against minority women in employment, and the burdens faced by minority women supporting families in poverty. Such information has led the Independent Expert to make specific recommendations in her thematic and country reports, calling on States to address issues faced by minority women. To ensure that women’s concerns are addressed, the Independent Expert has developed the practice during country visits of holding forums specifically dedicated to minority women, in which women can share their experiences and views and thereby contribute to recommendations formulated by the Independent Expert. In addition, the fourth session of the Forum on Minority Issues (see chap. III) specifically focused on guaranteeing the rights of minority women. Minority children Article 30 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child guarantees that the same rights set forth in article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights also apply to children. The Independent Expert seeks to collaborate closely with the Committee on the Rights of the Child and share expertise with that body, particularly in regard to issues such as education, health, adequate housing and trafficking. In the course of country visits, the Independent Expert also seeks to hear the views and perspectives of children and young people, by visiting schools, universities and youth facilities. In the field of education, the Independent Expert has been concerned that minority children often lack equal access to quality education. They may also face obstacles and challenges even where they do have access, such as lack of instruction in their own minority language, which puts them at a disadvantage in relation to other children. Minorities also commonly report that school curricula, text books and approaches to teaching frequently neglect minority culture and history, and the contributions of minorities to wider society. In 2008, the first session of the Forum on Minority Issues was devoted to the issue of minorities and the right to education, and produced comprehensive recommendations on this subject. Methods of work The Independent Expert employs diverse working methods in fulfilment of her mandate, with the aim of making the most effective and timely use of limited resources. The methods of work are informed by the practices of other special procedures mandates, with due regard for the particular features of the mandate provided in Human Rights Council resolution 16/6. Activities are focused on direct and constructive engagement and consultation with specific Governments, including through country visits and communications, and on thematic work that provides analysis, guidance and thematic recommendations which are relevant to all States. Country visits One of the most valuable tools available to the Independent Expert is the ability to conduct country visits at the invitation of States, in order to consult on minority issues in situ and to engage with States directly on the implementation of the Minorities Declaration. The findings and recommendations of the Independent Expert’s official visits are submitted to the Human Rights Council and discussed during an annual Interactive Dialogue with the Council, States concerned and other interested United Nations Member States.