A/HRC/7/78 page 19 2. Expresses its appreciation to Governments and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations that have given special attention to the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities and have supported the work of the independent expert; 3. Decides to extend the mandate of the independent expert on minority issues for a period of three years and requests the independent expert: (a) To promote the implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities, including through consultations with Governments, taking into account existing international standards and national legislation concerning minorities; (b) To identify best practices and possibilities for technical cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, at the request of Governments; (c) To apply a gender perspective in his/her work; (d) To cooperate closely, while avoiding duplication, with existing relevant United Nations bodies, mandates and mechanisms and with regional organizations; (e) To take into account the views of non-governmental organizations on matters pertaining to his/her mandate; (f) To guide the work of the Forum on Minority Issues, as decided by the Council in its resolution 6/15; (g) To submit annual reports on his/her activities to the Council, including recommendations for effective strategies for the better implementation of the rights of persons belonging to minorities; 4. Calls upon all States to cooperate with the independent expert in the performance of the tasks and duties mandated to him/her, and encourages specialized agencies, regional organizations, national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations to develop regular dialogue and cooperation with the mandate-holder; 5. Requests the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide all the human, technical and financial assistance necessary for the effective fulfilment of the mandate of the independent expert; 6. Decides to continue its consideration of this issue in accordance with the annual programme of work of the Council. 39th meeting 27 March 2008 Adopted without a vote. See chapter III.