Virtually all countries of the world have minorities. Some of them are numerically small, but it is estimated that two thirds of all countries have very sizable minorities and include at least one substantial minority, ethnic or religious group that makes up at least 10% of the population. Such diversity is often rightly viewed as a strength -- and there are many examples of harmonious and prosperous coexistence of different communities. There are some significant examples of minority representatives gaining a true voice in decision-making, and we have a number of examples of that in this room today. However, all too often, diversity is wrongly viewed as a risk to the communal cohesion of a State. Sadly, in many countries, failure to value and respect diversity has led to the erosion of the rights of persons belonging to minorities, often involving their exclusion from effective participation. Such exclusion negates the realization of all human rights and can lead to tensions and conflicts. Indeed, ensuring effective minority participation is not only a human rights imperative but also a conflict prevention tool -- since it is through effective participation that a person can secure a stake in society and gain confidence and trust in its institutions. We have achieved valuable standard-setting and institutional progress in minority protection at the UN and other fora, such as the adoption of the Declaration and the creation of the mandate of the Independent Expert and that of the Forum. All of these have created great expectations. Yet, findings of the Independent Expert, human rights treaty bodies and reports from minorities and NGOs show that there is no room for complacency and that much work lies ahead to move the minority standards from paper to practice and to create the conditions for the effective participation of minorities. Member States bear the primary responsibility to ensure the implementation of the right to effective participation, and this may require special positive measures aimed at accelerating participation in various areas of life, including in political processes. But success in this area requires input and commitment from all actors. This session of the 3