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Independent expert on minority issues

199. At the 20th meeting, on 12 March 2008, the independent expert on minority issues, Gay McDougall, presented her report (A/HRC/7/23 and Add.1-3).

200. At the same meeting, the representative of France made a statement, as a concerned country.

201. During the ensuing interactive dialogue, at the 20th and 21st meetings, on 12 and 13 March 2008, the following made statements and asked the independent expert questions:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Russian Federation, Slovenia (on behalf of the European Union), Sri Lanka;

(b) Observers for the following States: Austria, Bhutan, Estonia, Hungary, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kenya, Latvia, Nepal, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia;

(c) Observers for non-governmental organizations: Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (Forum-Asia), Baha’i International Community, Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions, Human Rights Advocates Inc., Interfaith International, International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, International Organization of Indigenous Resource Development, Jubilee Campaign, Minority Rights Group International (also on behalf of the International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, the Islamic Human Rights Commission, the Lutheran World Federation and Pax Romana), World Muslim Congress.

202. At the 21st meeting, on 13 March 2008, the independent expert answered questions and made her concluding remarks.