A/HRC/55/35
the fulfilment of human rights in all areas, and creating conditions in which inequalities
can be reduced. The Secretary-General’s report “Our Common Agenda” stresses that
destabilizing inequalities must be overcome to realize humanity’s hopes of breaking
through to a greener, better, safer future.79
81.
One of the best approaches to address inequality, which has a disproportionate
impact on those in a situation of vulnerability, such as minority women and girls,
children and youth, is the adoption of comprehensive anti-discrimination laws and
policy frameworks. In order to be considered comprehensive, anti-discrimination
legislation must prohibit all forms of discrimination on the basis of all grounds
recognized in international law, in all areas of life regulated by law, provide for the
effective enforcement of the right, and mandate positive actions to address historic or
structural discrimination. 80 To ensure comprehensive protection, anti-discrimination
legislation should also guarantee that multiple, aggravated and intersecting forms of
discrimination are explicitly prohibited.81
82.
OHCHR, as permanent Co-Chair of the United Nations network on racial
discrimination and protection of minorities, will continue to address issues of racial
discrimination and the protection of national or ethnic, linguistic and religious
minorities, including issues of multiple, aggravated and intersecting forms of
discrimination, by promoting the mainstreaming and integration of minority rights
across all pillars and activities of the United Nations.
83.
United Nations human rights bodies and mechanisms play a vital role in
advancing the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic
minorities. OHCHR will continue to support and promote their essential work.
84.
OHCHR will also continue to support the participation of minorities, including
less visible ones, in its flagship Minorities Fellowship Programme and its senior
fellowship programme. The new intersectionality component of the senior fellowship
programme promotes diversity and inclusion while addressing persistent and multiple
forms of discrimination. In order to maintain these programmes and expand work on
minority rights, additional financial support would be needed.
79
80
81
GE.23-26212
See https://www.un.org/en/content/common-agendareport/assets/pdf/Common_Agenda_Report_English.pdf.
See https://www.ohchr.org/en/publications/policy-and-methodological-publications/protectingminority-rights-practical-guide.
See https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/issues/minorities/30th-anniversary/2022-0922/GuidanceNoteonIntersectionality.pdf.
17