religious, and linguistic minorities. Indeed, this commitment enshrined in the World Summit Outcome Document is very much in line with Article one of the 1992 Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities, according to which the primary duty of States in relation to religious minorities is to protect their fundamental rights and security. In the 1992 Declaration, the G.A. stressed the relationship between minority protection and protection of human rights. According to the Declaration, the realization of rights, , enjoyed by persons belonging to a minority contributes to political and social stability in the state they live in. While the Declaration is not binding, it demonstrates that the majority of states accept that the individual character of a minority rights entail duties of the state to protect the group as a whole because the group is formed by persons entitled with minority tights. In general, minority rights are to be enjoyed in additional to existing rights. Minority rights as special rights allow members of minority communities to start off on a platform of equality with majorities. As amply observed by the UN independent expert on, minority issues 'minority rights go beyond anti-discrimination to address the issues of those who may seek to prompte and preserve their distinct identity. The opportunity , to participate fully and effectively in all aspects of society, while preserving group identity, is essential to true equality and may require positive steps on the part of government. Minority rights , are about recognizing that, owing to their minority status and distinct identity, some' groups are disadvantaged and are at times targeted, and that these communities need special protection and empowerment. Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, It is unfortunate that, practice in different parts of the world demonstrate that minorities continue to experience high levels of marginalization, stigmatization, discrimination in access to social, economic, political and cultural opportunities, both in time of peace and during armed conflicts. As a matter of fact, minorities often find themselves in conditions of structural vulnerability that exposes them to a vicious circle of discrimination, hostility, insecurity; violence and extreme poverty. It is therefore not surprising that, due to this sustained discrimination, minorities find themselves at the receiving end in which their basic rights and freedoms are constantly violated with