"Thank you, Madam Chair. My name is Greta Ramelli and I am Program Manager at the Public
International Law & Policy Group (PILPG), a global pro bono law firm that has provided legal
assistance with over two dozen peace negotiations, and over two dozen post-conflict
constitutions. Nearly all contemporary conflicts are driven in part by the marginalization of
particular groups. Far too often, the identity of minority groups are politicised and weaponised to
create or worsen violent ethnic conflict.
To prevent conflict recurrence and to forge a durable peace, it is especially important that, in the
aftermath of a conflict, the international community ensures that parties to peace negotiations
include protections for minority rights in the final agreement, amended constitutions, or
implementing legislation. By including minority rights protections in their constitutions, states
help protect against marginalization and disenfranchisement for minority groups. Protections for
minority rights also promote minority participation in the social, cultural, political, and economic
aspects of society.
PILPG offers the following three recommendations to prevent conflict recurrence and to forge a
durable peace:
First, states should consider enumerating specific minority rights
or protections in peace agreements and other key legislative instruments;
Second, states should ensure that the definition of the categories
afforded protection does not create an opportunity for other groups to be excluded.
For example, name specific groups, but also indicate that these rights can also be
claimed by undesignated minority groups.
Third, if parties to a peace negotiation wish to reference a
series of agreements rather than enumerating specific rights, states should consider
implementing complementary public information campaigns or an additional annex
enumerating the rights contained within those agreements, to raise public
awareness of their
rights.
More recommendations were provided in PILPG written submission.
Thank you."