ASG’s video message for the 16th session of the UN Forum on Minority Issues Minorities and Cohesive Societies: Equality, Social Inclusion, and Socio-economic Participation 30 November – 1 December 2023 The focus of this year’s Forum on equality, social inclusion and socio-economic participation may seem not new, but is both vital and timely. The cohesion of our societies depends on the recognition of the richness of their diversity and the valued contribution of diversity starts with inclusion and effective participation. This has already been recognized since 1992 in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities, which affirms their right to participate effectively in cultural, religious, social, economic and public life. The Beirut Declaration on “Faith for Rights” adds to this the commitment of equal participation and full protection of their freedom of religion or belief. Fundamental to the realization of the full range of minority rights, in addition to effective participation in all areas of life, is ensuring equal opportunities by effective anti-discrimination measures. According to our assessment, approximately two thirds of countries in the world do not have a comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that would allow to put into reality the promise of equality in dignity and rights made 75 years ago in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A significant number of those countries lacking a comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation do have a rich canvas of minorities within their respective societies, but instead of harnessing the value of this diversity, it is all too often portrayed as a problem. One of our Office’s current strategic priorities is addressing inequality. Not only is equal treatment a right in itself, but upholding human rights will greatly reduce inequalities of all kinds. 1