A/HRC/15/42
Seventy-fifth session (3–28 August 2009)
47.
At its seventy-fifth session, in its concluding observations on Azerbaijan, the
Committee expressed regret over the lack of current statistical data on employment with
regard to members of ethnic minorities, and recommended that Azerbaijan should include
such information in its next periodic report. It also expressed concern about the absence of
consultative structures for representatives of minorities to give them a voice in the
legislative process. The Committee also noted the lack of information on whether the
Government was providing education and instruction in Armenian for ethnic Armenians
living in Azerbaijan.
48.
In relation to the report submitted by China, the Committee expressed concern about
the lack of statistical data available on the socio-economic status of ethnic minorities, and
urged the Government of China to include such information in its next report. It also noted
that China had not adopted a comprehensive law against racial discrimination, and
recommended that such a national law should be adopted to combat discrimination on the
grounds of race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin. The Committee also expressed
concern at reports of incentive systems for workers to settle in minority regions, which
could substantially alter the demographics of these regions and negatively affect local
traditions and cultures. The Committee also noted that the household registration
requirement could give rise to de facto discrimination against ethnic minorities.
49.
The Committee expressed concern at the fact that national policies in China on
administrative detention and re-education through labour are being applied
disproportionately in relation to members of ethnic minorities, and requested further
information on this topic. It also recommended that the Government should increase its
efforts to favour participation of all minority groups in public service, political life and
economic growth, and take into account the relationship between ethnicity and religion, and
ensure respect for the right of all ethnic groups to enjoy freedom of religion.
50.
In its concluding observations on the report submitted by Greece, the Committee
took note of the State’s definition of minority as being exclusively applied to the Muslim
minority in Thrace. It called upon the Government to conduct research to assess the
incidences of racial discrimination affecting all groups based on national or ethnic origin,
and to take steps to eliminate such discrimination. In particular, the Committee requested
more information about Turkish, Pomak and Romani groups that form the Muslim minority
in Thrace, and about the measures the Government had taken to protect the identity and
human rights of these groups.
51.
The Committee also expressed concern about reports of forced dissolution and the
refusal to register associations with words such as “minority”, “Turkish” or “Macedonian”
in their titles. It was also concerned at the obstacles encountered by Roma and Turkishspeaking persons, particularly in their access to employment, housing, health care and
education.
52.
The Committee expressed regret over the lack of statistical data on the rights
enjoyed by ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples in the Philippines. It recommended
that the State should use the 2010 census to include indicators, disaggregated by ethnicity
and gender on the basis of voluntary self-identification, and include this information in its
next report.
4.
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Forty-third session (19 January–6 February 2009)
53.
At its forty-third session, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination
against Women considered the State report submitted by Armenia. In its concluding
GE.10-14893
11