Support dialogue between representatives of parliamentary committees or other
parliamentary structures devoted to human rights and/or minorities to discuss
participation of minorities in political decision-making and to encourage networking
between such structures.
Encourage the Inter-Agency Group on Minority Issues to devote one of its
upcoming meetings to the topic of effective participation by minorities to discuss the
respective roles of its members in promoting effective participation, within the larger
framework of Article 9 of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to
National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities
Ensure effective participation of minorities in the deliberations taking place at the
level of the United Nations.
Through field presences, help to ensure that key laws relating to minority rights and
related issues are consistent with international human rights standards, including the
Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and
Linguistic Minorities, and that these standards are fully reflected in future legislative
initiatives.
Finally, I would like to stress that at the OHCHR we were much wish to practice what we
preach and this applies also to the issue of participation. Therefore, we would like to make
sure that representatives of minorities are involved in the design and implementation of our
activities and I would like to encourage minority representatives and expert present here
today to pursue a close dialogue with the Office.
Thank you for your attention.
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