of minority rights, international human rights mechanisms and bodies should pay greater attention to the minority dimension of human rights violations. Ms. Mihlar called on the Special Rapporteur on minority issues and other relevant mandate holders to work together with the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention to develop a tool to monitor the specific targeting of minorities, violations of minority rights and identify trends and patterns that could lead to conflict. She noted that this tool could be based on the current United Nations Framework for Analysis of Atrocity Crimes, but more specifically designed towards minority protection in conflict prevention. She stressed that this system must be developed together with minority civil society representatives. Finally, Ms. Mihlar recommended that the Special Rapporteur on minority issues conduct a joint study with the Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights on the targeting of minorities as part of counter-terrorism measures and how this contributes to conflicts. Ms. Ilze Brands Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights and Head, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in New York noted the need for a new focus on early warning and early action, implementation of conflict prevention and to create momentum for innovation, in order to resolve issues regarding minority rights and to avoid a securitization of minorities. She stated that prevention costs less than other interventions when conflict has already occurred, stressing that human rights and minority rights are more relevant now than ever. The Assistant Secretary-General explained that respecting minority rights provides a basis for sustainable solutions to problems. She added that Covid-19 has exacerbated deep-rooted inequalities, and minorities are disproportionately affected, and hate crime and hate speech is increasing. She regretted the insufficient participation by minorities in identifying needs and designing policies, and noted a need for renewed focus on mobilization and innovative initiatives, including leadership of youth and women. The Assistant Secretary-General referred to two important initiatives: First, the Secretary-General’s Call to Action for human rights. This Call to Action emphasizes inclusion and respect for diversity; every community, including minorities and indigenous people, must feel included, without discrimination. She explained that the seven thematic areas of the call to action are extremely relevant for many minority communities, and protection is put at the centre. She added that guidance has been developed to United Nations Country Teams and Member States in the operationalization of the Call to Action. The second initiative she referred to was the United Nations network on racial discrimination and the protection of minorities, established a decade ago and revived under OHCHR leadership the past year. The Assistant Secretary-General explained that OHCHR is working with 20 agencies, and has developed a checklist to strengthen United Nations work at country level to combat racial discrimination. She added that the Secretary-General has also launched the common agenda, a social contract anchored in human rights which requires focus 15