In addition to the Independent Expert on minority issues, there are other Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council that give particular attention to minority groups. These include:

• The Working Group on people of African descent
• The Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
• The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people
• The Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief
• The Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants.

Special Procedures may conduct country visits (upon invitation) and receive communications. They also produce regular thematic reports. Special Procedures have cooperated with UNDP COs during country visits to raise awareness and engage in dialogue with governments on best practice and potential reform.⁶⁰ For example, the UNCT Ecuador worked closely with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of indigenous people during country visits. Both Special Rapporteur Rodolfo Stavenhagen’s country visit report and Special Rapporteur James Anaya’s specific recommendations on the 2008 Constituent Assembly Process provided important inputs for the development programming and programme implementation of the UNCT and the IAWG on Intercultural Issues. Ecuador will also receive a visit of the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent.