and build their religious sites and all religious holidays are celebrated in the country. Mr. Anouti recommended the power sharing model and the quote system to be adjusted and localized at state level for the protection, representation and inclusion of minorities in other countries as well as in the region. He also recommended support provided to governments with the necessary expertise to ensure the proper implementation of human rights mechanisms and treaties on minorities, the endorsement of regional forums on minorities, as well as the revision of the governing system of this Forum as member states enjoy privileges in comparison to other actors and representatives of minorities which hinder the freedom of expression as an essential rights and space for persons belonging to minorities to freely express themselves.18 Interactive Dialogue19 In the interactive dialogue part of this thematic item, participants shared some positive examples, good practices and approaches to designing legal and institutional frameworks and policies that effectively safeguard minority rights and promote the inclusion of persons belonging to minorities in society, including measures taken by governments, such as promoting diversity, inclusion and societal integration, equal development and protection for all citizens without discrimination; adopting anti-discrimination laws, specialized education and training programmes, multilingual programmes and public services in various languages provided for persons belonging to minorities; developing the economy in minority regions; fostering government-NGO partnerships and community engagement. Participants also noted some additional issues of importance and challenges faced in relation to effective inclusion of persons belonging to minorities in societies and thus to societal cohesion itself, such as the importance of recognizing the right to internal self-determination of minorities, as well as the rule of law, human rights and gender equality; the need for intersectional measures for achieving equality and inclusion; the importance of addressing discrimination and challenges faced persons with disabilities belonging to minorities; the importance of accountability for past atrocities, land restitution and compensation. Participants emphasized the significance of looking at the environmental injustices that certain minority communities suffer from and the heightened vulnerability of persons belonging to minorities during political crises and conflict areas. In addition, participants called for the UN and member states to implement intersectional, inclusive education policies and to improve infrastructure to better serve diverse communities and those in a marginalized situation and called for global efforts at the UN level to support conventions that protect minority languages. Concluding remarks The Special Rapporteur on minority issues Prof. Nicolas Levrat concluded by thanking the Chairpersons, the Secretariat of the Forum, volunteers and interpreters who supported the Forum, as well as all contributions by panellists and participants – for having shared their experience, expertise and recommendations to the Forum. He took good note of the repeated calls for strengthening the Forum, making it longer and even making it permanent, and committed to conveying the message to the Human Rights Council. Prof. Levrat also noted the 654 registered participants and more than 300 requests for taking the floor, as well as the fact that all requests could be accommodated, and that every organization had at least one opportunity to speak at the Forum. With regard to the content of the Forum, the Special Rapporteur was struck and amazed by the vast diversity of issues and situations that were expressed in so few hours, referring to the UNGA that said on 10 December 1948 about the fate of minorities, “it is difficult 18 The integral version of the statement of Mr. Hani Anouti can be consulted here. Interventions in the interactive dialogue part of item 4 on “Protection and promotion of the rights of persons belonging to minority groups towards cohesive societies” can be consulted on the UN WebTV here. 19 11