It is also vital that minorities continue to have effective access to national and international human rights protection mechanisms. Confusion about which party controls a territory, or disagreement about the legitimacy of the authorities in place, may however slow down decision-making at international level. In the long term, it may even create “black holes” where no body is monitoring minority rights or human rights generally. From a human rights perspective, this is untenable. Our key message today is therefore: access – to rights, and to human rights protection mechanisms. Essential in times of peace, such access is even more crucial for minorities in times of conflict or violence. Thank you, Chair.

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