A/60/333
7.
There participants also requested OHCHR to establish a database of successful
case studies that might serve as a resource for the provision of expert technical
cooperation for South Asian and other countries facing similar minority problems.
8.
Concerning the importance of strengthening national human rights systems, a
new pamphlet for inclusion in the United Nations Guide for Minorities has been
prepared by OHCHR (which provides technical assistance on setting up and
supporting such institutions) on the role of national human rights institutions
(NHRIs) in the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to
minorities. This pamphlet indicates that although many NHRIs have a broad
mandate, not all were taking advantage of their powers to deal with minority issues.
Reference is made to specific examples of the work of NHRIs in the provision of
legal advice on the rights of Afro-Colombians; investigating particular violations
against Muslims in Gujarat, India; undertaking promotional activities to raise the
profile of Dalit minorities in Nepal and enhancing public awareness of Dalits’
rights; facilitating a series of mediation sessions to resolve a conflict involving two
different ethnic groups in Ghana; and in taking cases before the courts on behalf of
victims, as the ombudsman did in Sweden.
9.
In a review by the Working Group on Minorities of the first 10 years of its
work, attention was drawn to its more than 80 working papers providing information
on specific situations with respect to the rights of persons belonging to minorities
and good practices for addressing minority issues. Minority issues highlighted for
further attention included: (a) procedures for dialogue between representatives of
minority and indigenous communities and their national Governments;
(b) constitutional or legislative recognition of minority and indigenous
communities; (c) methods for determining membership and representation of
minority and indigenous communities; (d) methods for ensuring effective
participation in decision-making by representatives of minority and indigenous
communities at national and regional or local levels; (e) the balance between
separation, integration and multiculturalism in State provision for minority and
indigenous communities; (f) achieving an appropriate balance between national
development programmes and appropriate development for minority and indigenous
communities; and (g) the development of effective cooperation with conflict
prevention and conflict resolution mechanisms within the United Nations. It was
recommended that existing papers should be published and good practice issue
papers prepared.
10. With a view to gathering best practices, the Working Group on Minorities
undertook its second country visit, to Finland in January 2003. Members of the
Working Group met with representatives of Government, various minorities and
NGOs. They became familiar with the special autonomy arrangement of the Aland
Islands and how it could serve as an example of a conflict prevention or resolution
measure in other similar situations. Information was provided on the legislative,
policy and other measures taken at the national level to improve respect for the
principles of non-discrimination, tolerance and the rule of law. Meetings were
organized with representatives of the Russian, Roma, Jewish and Tatar minorities,
the indigenous Sámi, and about 30,000 Ingrians as well as with the Advisory Board
for Ethnic Relations, the Ombudsperson, the Sámi Parliament and the Advisory
Body on Roma Affairs. The Russian-speaking minority, almost 30,000 people,
indicated that they wished to have an advisory body, as existed for the 10,000 Roma.
The Sámi Parliament spoke of the importance of the ratification by Finland of the
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