A/HRC/15/42 V. Conclusions 81. In 2009 and the first part of 2010, the main activities undertaken by OHCHR relating to the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities were focused on improving access to decision-making and facilitating effective participation. With regard to effective participation, emphasis was placed on law enforcement structures, such as the police. Several activities were undertaken to increase the use of United Nations and regional human rights bodies and mechanisms through capacity-building among minority representatives. The country engagement of OHCHR increasingly included activities to advance the rights of persons belonging to minorities and to promote the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. The treaty bodies and special procedures have also paid close attention to the situation and rights of persons belonging to minorities. A number of special procedures mandate holders made important statements on the situation of minorities with regard to their enjoyment of various human rights. 82. The independent expert on minority issues gathered information from various sources, in particular during her two official country missions, and she continued to play a guiding role in the preparation of the work of the Forum. 83. The second session of the Forum on Minority Issues emphasized the importance of the right to effective participation for minorities, as specified in the Declaration, and that the realization of the rights of minorities depended on their participation in government, the administration of justice, parliament, public bodies and public companies. 84. As we approach the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration, it is important to begin a process of reflection on how common efforts can be consolidated to strengthen the protection of minorities all over the world, in particular through the use of the Declaration. As a key international document, it reaffirms the rights of persons belonging to minorities to enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the principles of non-discrimination and equality before the law. The Declaration also provides explicit guidance for the implementation of minority rights as it contains central guarantees to ensure that cultures, languages and other elements of the identity of persons belonging to minorities are protected and promoted, including through the implementation of the right to effective participation. 85. In 2010, it is expected the work of OHCHR and that of the treaty bodies and special procedures will further advance the implementation of the Declaration. Through its collection of effective practices in policing and minority communities, its minorities fellowship programme in addition to other activities at headquarters and in the field, OHCHR will continue to increase its activities contributing to the realization of the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. GE.10-14893 17