A/HRC/FMI/2013/1
Human Rights, the Chairperson of the Forum on Minority Issues and the Independent
Expert on minority issues.
Documentation
4.
The list of documents for the session is provided in annex II. In addition to normal
distribution, official documents for the session will be made available on the Human Rights
Council website (www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/Minority/Pages/Session6.aspx).
Discussions
5.
Participants will have the opportunity to make brief presentations and comments
based on the draft recommendations that they will have before them. After the presentations
introducing the topics for discussion at the beginning of each agenda item, there will be an
open discussion to which all participants will be invited to contribute, based on a sign-up
sheet.
2.
Legal framework and key concepts
6.
The present session will begin with a brief overview of existing international and
regional standards and principles relating to the rights of religious minorities from a
minority rights perspective, including the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging
to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. The applicable standards and
principles providing for the right to freedom of religion or belief will be addressed. The
discussion will also consider the human rights of religious minorities beyond freedom of
religion or belief. Participants will discuss how to ensure that international standards
relating to the protection of the rights of religious minorities are reflected in national
legislation, policies and practices. The importance of a strong constitutional framework and
adoption of anti-discrimination legislation reflecting the content of the Declaration on
Minority Rights will be highlighted, as well as the importance of institutional attention to
issues relating to religious minorities. With a view to setting the framework for the ensuing
discussion, the added value of the minority rights-based approach as well as recent global
initiatives relating to the rights and security of religious minorities will be discussed.
3.
Protection of the existence of and prevention of violence against religious minorities
7.
The present session will aim to identify the measures taken by States and other
actors to prevent tensions and acts of aggression or violence against religious minorities,
their places of worship and assembly, or their charitable and humanitarian institutions. The
discussion will address issues such as training of law enforcement officials and the
judiciary. The Forum will further discuss effective measures to eradicate religious hatred,
especially when it constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, and pay
particular attention to the role played by key actors, such as the media and media
monitoring bodies, in this regard.
8.
While emphasizing conflict prevention, the Forum will also consider the situation of
religious minorities in conflict and post-conflict settings, and the role of all actors involved
in ensuring protection of religious minorities and accountability for violations of their
rights. This session will examine the positive role that religious leaders can play in
addressing violations of the rights of religious minorities, preventing further violence and
promoting peace and reconciliation.
4.
Promotion and protection of the identity of religious minorities
9.
The present session will be devoted to effective practices to ensure the protection
and promotion of the identity of religious minorities so that they can freely maintain and
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