Fifth Forum on Minority Issues Geneva 27-28 November 2012 Statement by Ilze Brands Kehris, OSCE HCNM Madame Chairperson, excellencies, distinguished delegates and experts, On behalf of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities I would like to express appreciation for the opportunity to participate at this Forum and the chance to reflect on our common work in enhancing respect for minority rights. These two days and indeed the entire year represent an important opportunity to take stock of the twenty years of efforts, improvement and challenges in the area of minority rights protection since the Minority Declaration was adopted. This is'not an academic exercise, but essential in order to take a strategic look at what plans and actions need to be put in place by different stakeholders for the successful strengthening of the minority rights framework and infrastructure to ensure on the ground the protection and promotion of the existence and the identity of minorities in all our societies, and the full and effective equality and participation of minorities in the social, economic, political, cultural and religious life of the countries where they live. As we have been reminded, the Declaration, as other, regional instruments for minority rights protection, came about as a result of inter-ethnic conflict and fear of such and the recognition that a just and peaceful society requires the respect for diversity while ensuring constructive interaction of all groups within a state to which all feel a sense of belonging. A country at peace with itself is more likely' to be at peace with others. The HCNM is an instrument of conflict prevention based on precisely these insights and in just the same timeframe as the Declaration, has accumulated twenty years of experience in addressing tensions in situations involving national minorities. This experience continues to confirm that a key ingredient in maintaining sustainable peace and stability is the protection of minority rights within a setting of pluralistic and cohesive societies. It is thus the situation in real life that indicates the continued need for the stepping up of the protection of minorities and their rights. This requires voicing recommitment and a firm engagement with the next level: seeing ways to move from implementation rhetoric to implementation in practice. HCNM does not underestimate the complexities and obstacles that occasionally block hopeful developments and also as a consequence of this, the endurance that is needed for work that is often of a structural nature and requires longterm engagement, in addition to immediate tackling of urgent issues. Through practical work in a great variety of contexts, HCNM has identified good practices that have led to real improvements in the life of real persons; and thus to a reduction in tensions and increase in stability in various countries and regions.