FORUM ON. MINORITY ISSUES, Sth Session Effective political participation . Presentated by: Mabruka Sebit and Rasha Qass 2012 OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Programme Madam Chairperson, Madam Independent Expert, Distinguished delegates and, colleagues, Ladies and gentlemen, Ensuring political participation at all levels is important and crucial for young human rights defenders. As young activists, we are raising our voices against discrimination, and we need to be allowed to participate effectively in the political processes. Through effective participation persons belonging to a minority community can express their identity. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the UN Minorities Declaration, we should focus on achieving true implementation of its provisions. We, minority youth representatives, today call upon all the participants of the Forum to find new and effective ways to implement the Declaration. Young minority women