Gay McDougall Opening Remarks protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities, including at the regional level. The Independent Expert on minority issues is required to guide the work of the Forum and prepare its annual meetings, and I have the honor to carry out these tasks as the current mandate holder. Over the course of our work in previous sessions of the Forum we have established some working procedures which have proven fruitful and effective, and so will be adopted for this third session. A limited number of presenters have been asked to introduce each agenda item. Discussions under each item will then be open to all participants. We have an intensive programme ahead of us over the coming two days. The session will cover 6 different topics, as outlined in the programme of work which has been made available to all, and additional copies of which are available on the tables at the back of the room. Each meeting will cover two thematic discussions. You can register to speak for all thematic discussions by adding your names to the speakers list which will be open at the Secretariat tables at the side of the room. All stakeholders, including NGOs and National Human Rights Institutions, State Representatives, International Organizations, United Nations mechanisms as well as individuals, academics and experts are encouraged to inscribe in the relevant list at the Secretariat’s list of speakers’ desk as of now. Each list will close some 15 minutes after the beginning of the meeting in question. In line with past practice, the list of speakers for each segment will be drawn so as to favour an inter-active debate and wide representation of views since the Forum on Minority Issues has been established by the Council to provide a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues pertaining to persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. May I take this opportunity, at the outset, to emphasize that all views are welcome, in particular on best practices and on-going challenges and opportunities. I encourage everybody to show respect for others’ views while inviting all participants to exercise decorum, avoid abusive language and uphold 2|Page