The High Commissioner on National Minorities emphasized that in his mandate, the
human rights-oriented approach to minority protection is set into a security context for a very
important reason. He explained that from his mandate's perspective, an inclusive, cohesive,
and peaceful society cannot operate without having an adequate system in place to protect
minorities - one in which minorities feel they are equally respected members of society. This
system requires the existence of interrelated building blocks consisting of, among others, the
right of minorities to their own identity, to have their languages, religions and cultures
respected, to have integration without forced assimilation, and to enjoy the principle of
substantive equality, including participatory rights.
The High Commissioner on National Minorities noted that the approach and experience
of successive High Commissioners on national minorities have been documented and published
in nine sets of thematic regulations and guidelines which are available on their website. These
reflect policy areas that states should have in mind when looking at comprehensive frameworks
for minority protection, linguistic rights, education, access to justice, effective participation in
public and political life and more.
The High Commissioner on National Minorities indicated that the Forum constitutes a
unique opportunity for member States to share their own positive experiences and initiatives
which can, in turn, serve as good practices for others. He highlighted the particular vulnerability
and marginalization of minority women in conflict and post-conflict contexts. Finally, he
emphasized that inclusion and ensuring the participation of minorities in public, economic and
social life is key to conflict prevention.
Item 2: Root causes of contemporary conflicts involving minorities
Participants were invited to reflect on identifying and addressing the root causes of
conflicts involving minorities. They were expected to consider how early awareness of root
causes involving State policies and practices that disadvantage or exclude minorities can also be
the most effective means to prevent conflicts.
Participants were invited to focus on how to monitor risk factors. They were also
expected to explore the role of States, intergovernmental organizations, civil society and
minorities in tackling at an early stage the root causes that may be in breach of human rights
obligations, such as the right to equality and the prohibition of discrimination.
Presentations on the topic under discussion were made by the following panellists: Mr.
John Packer, Director, Human Rights Research and Education Centre, University of Ottawa; Ms.
Rita Manchanda, Independent Consultant, South Asia Forum for Human Rights; and Mr.
Conchúr Ó Muadaigh, Advocacy manager, Conradh na Gaeilge.
Mr. John Packer, Director, Human Rights Research and Education Centre, University of
Ottawa noted that the root causes of contemporary conflicts involving minorities owe historical
origin to phenomena and concepts long pre-dating the United Nations, pre-dating human
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