UNPO particularly welcomes recommendation 35 regarding political and cultural
arrangements in areas where religious minorities represent the majority of the population.
However, existing autonomous arrangements with religious minorities are often failing and
lead to further frustration, either due to partial implementation of such agreements, or
because the minorities themselves have not been consulted properly on the conditions of
the agreement. To make recommendation 35 effective, it is important to ensure that these
agreements are implemented effectively and meaningfully involve the minorities themselves.
In order to effectively monitor the situation of minorities in general and religious minorities
in particular, UNPO recommends the creation of independent regional or national centers
on minority rights, gathering amongst others minority leaders and activists, scholars, and
experts, in order to analyze in a professional and independent way the situation of
minorities in each country and inform policymakers.
Thank you for your attention.