Commending the important work undertaken by the independent expert on
minority issues and recalling the complementarity of her mandate with that of the
former Working Group on Minorities provided for in Commission on Human Rights
resolution 2005/79 of 21 April 2005,
Emphasizing the need for reinforced efforts to meet the goal of the full
realization of the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and
linguistic minorities,
Affirming that effective measures and the creation of favourable conditions for
the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic,
religious and linguistic minorities, ensuring effective non-discrimination and equality
for all, as well as full and effective participation in matters affecting them, contribute
to the prevention and peaceful solution of human rights problems and situations
involving minorities,
Underlining the need to pay specific attention to the negative impact of racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance on the situation of persons
belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, and drawing
attention to the relevant provisions of the Durban Declaration and Programme of
Action adopted in September 2001 by the World Conference against Racism, Racial
Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, including the provisions on
forms of multiple discrimination,
Emphasizing the importance of dialogue among all relevant stakeholders on
the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic,
religious and linguistic minorities as an integral part of the development of society as
a whole, including the sharing of best practices such as for the promotion of mutual
understanding of minority issues, managing diversity by recognizing plural identities,
and promoting inclusive and stable societies as well as social cohesion therein,
Emphasizing also the importance of national processes aimed at promoting
and strengthening dialogue between all relevant stakeholders on issues relating to the
rights of persons belonging to national, or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities
with a view to ensuring the realization of their rights without discrimination and to
help build stable societies,