The United Nations In-dependent Expert on minority issues, Gay McDougall is to visit Guyana next month and will be meeting with members of civil society including those working on minority and anti-discrimination issues.

According to a press release from the United Nations Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), McDougall’s official visit, which comes at the invitation of the government, will be from July 28 to August 2. The release noted that the independent expert on minority issues is one of the special procedures mandate holders of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and these independent human rights experts work to address thematic human rights issues in all parts of the world. The mandate of the Independent expert enhances the work of other UN and inter-governmental bodies and mechanisms that address minority issues. The release said that during her visit here, McDougall wishes to consult with representatives of civil society including non-governmental organizations working on minority and anti-discrimination issues. “She will visit and seek the views of different community members, academics, and others working in the field of minority issues, social inclusion, anti-racism and anti-discrimination.

She will also engage in consultations and dialogue with senior government representatives on issues relevant to her mandate”, the release stated. The statement said that given the limited time available to McDougall, she will arrange meetings and convene discussion forums during which participants may communicate their information, experiences and recommendations on minority issues.

The Independent Expert undertakes country visits to further constructive consultation, observe relevant programmes and policies, institutions and practices, study national legislation, learn of challenges and concerns, and identify successful practices and areas for cooperation in areas related to her mandate. In carrying out her work, the Independent Expert is required to promote the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, adopted by all UN member states in 1992.

The release said that the Independent expert submits annual reports to the UNHRC on her activities and country reports based upon her official visits. The reports include recommendations to the HRC and to governments concerned.

For further information, or to provide information to the Independent Expert, persons can contact Graham Fox and Alexandra Votquenne at:

gfox@ohchr.org / spdintern1@ohchr.org (tel: + 41 22 917 96 40). For more information about the work of the UN Independent Expert on minority issues, persons can visit the homepage http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/minorities/expert/index.htm.