Nevertheless, sometimes the threat of violence against minorities is such that it requires an immediate security response in order to prevent imminent violence or quickly respond to it. In such situations, it is the responsibility of the national authorities and law enforcement bodies to act decisively and appropriately. States must look at such issues as the ethnic or religious make-up and deployment of security forces as well as providing training to them to ensure that they are able to respond appropriately and effectively to threats or violence against one community by another. This obligation is also reflected in the principle of Responsibility to Protect, which emphasizes the primary responsibility of States to protect their populations by preventing genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. In this regard, adequate training of law-enforcement personnel as well as sufficient provision of resources made available to them to fulfil their duties is crucial to provide a satisfactory response. As envisaged in the Responsibility to Protect, States should also benefit from the cooperation with international and regional organizations, as these organizations have a significant role in preventing a responding to violence by engaging with States in a preventive, fact-finding or conflict mediation capacity. Some regional human rights organizations have specific tools dedicated to minority issues and conflict and violence prevention based on strong regional standards. I also want to state quite clearly that the United Nations must do better in its prevention role and its responses once violence has broken out. To do so requires the political will of Member States. I consider that far greater attention to minority issues worldwide is required not just through this Forum and the Human Rights Council, but in the important work of the General Assembly and the Security Council. Last but not least, I want to recognize the vital role of civil society and minorities themselves in detecting the early signs of violence, alerting national and international bodies, taking initiatives to counter violence and working in post conflict scenarios to prevent violence from reoccurring. Civil society has been essential in bringing issues of national concern to the attention of regional bodies and the United Nations. The tireless work of these committed women and men is commendable and yet, too often their information is neglected or rejected by the State in question and does not lead to action or further investigation. Let me be clear: there is no magic formula to easily put an end to violence against minorities. Much needs to be done in order to adequately prevent and address violence and those efforts involve all stakeholders, including the international community, the UN, regional organizations, governments, civil 4

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