bodies tend to be the most political ones and the experts that are most likely to be sympathetic to minority concerns do not have any real power. NGOs must always remember that the UN is a club of states; therefore, you must be realistic in the achievements you strive for. The UN is only as effective as its member states allow it to be and, unfortunately, when it comes to issues of human rights – and in particular minority rights – the UN has not been as effective as it could be. Whether it is about respect for minority rights or the maintenance of peace, the primary concern of governments tends to be the potential disruption that they expect, and fear, as a result of minorities asserting their rights. They often assume that recognizing minority rights, or granting special treatment – in particular any arrangements delegating political and economic functions to groups – will fuel secessionist claims that would threaten national unity, political independence and territorial integrity. In cases affecting what some states call ‘their own nationals’ (members of the same ethnic, linguistic or religious group living in other states), unilateral state action across international boundaries can lead to an unfortunate politicizing of minority issues and increases rather than reduces tension. Ignorance and lack of understanding, as well as doctrines of superiority and racism, constitute further stumbling blocks. NGOs using UN procedures in their advocacy for minority rights need to recognize these governmental fears and develop strategies to overcome them. One means of doing this is for minority groups and their representatives to approach the monitoring procedures with constant reference to the international standards, and with moderation and political realities in mind. These human rights mechanisms are not forums for dealing with the right of selfdetermination or claims for secession. Self-determination and secession are rights that minorities do not enjoy under UN international instruments, and addressing these issues is beyond the jurisdiction and power of the monitoring bodies. For effective responses, for both protection and prevention purposes, it is important to play by the rules, even if some may consider them limited and restricted in scope. It is important to keep in mind that respect for minority rights is in the interest of both minority groups and governments. Much depends on the political wisdom and good faith of governments and minority groups when making use of the monitoring and assistance procedures. NGOs should also remember when using UN mechanisms that they should be seen as a tool in a broader advocacy campaign. Getting strong Concluding Observations from a treaty body or making an intervention at the Working Group on Minorities (WGM) or the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will be unlikely to have a 6 big impact on the lives of minorities without follow-up work nationally. The type of follow-up that will be the most effective will depend on various criteria, including the national situation and the available resources of the NGO or NGOs undertaking the work. Using the media at the UN in Geneva For NGOs who visit the UN, a good way of increasing pressure on governments is to take advantage of the media opportunities that are available in Geneva. Located within the UN Palais des Nations building are numerous journalists from international press agencies and regional and national newspapers, radio and television media. A directory of accredited journalists is available from the UN Information Service, although this can be difficult to obtain and is not made widely available to NGOs. Alternatively the press centre (Salle de presse 1 and 2) and specific offices of members of the press can be visited directly. Staff at the press centre can assist you to locate relevant journalists and information can be provided to them in printed form by using the ‘mailbox’ service outside the main press room (Salle de presse 1). Email, telephone and fax numbers for specific journalists are available from the directory of accredited journalists or by contacting the main press room. Telephone calls from within the UN to numbers located in Geneva are free. Notices, advertising NGO events, for example, can be posted on the press notice board at the press centre, although authority to do this should be obtained in advance through staff at the centre or through the Association of Accredited Correspondents (ACANU). If you wish to organize a press briefing this can be arranged with the assistance of ACANU, or the UN Information Service, who will be able to advise on the availability of rooms and additional means to inform members of the press. The NGO Liaison Office may also be able to help. In all your dealings with the press, it is advisable to provide them with your information in the form of a clear, well-prepared press release or notification, including details of how they can contact you if they are interested in your work or issues. For contact details of the UN Information Service and the NGO Liaison Office, see Annex 6.1. The UN human rights system is constantly evolving. New procedures are created and new international instruments adopted, while other procedures are abandoned. NGOs working with the UN should try to keep up to date with developments in order to take advantage of any new opportunities. The current climate at the UN means that there is potential for developments on minority issues. A high priority for the UN at the time of the 10th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda has been ensuring that genocide cannot happen again. The UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, MINORITY RIGHTS: A GUIDE TO UNITED NATIONS PROCEDURES AND INSTITUTIONS