Human Rights Council Forum on Minority Issues Sixth session Geneva, 26-27 November 2013 Agenda Item .3 - Protection of the existence of and prevention of violence against religious minorities. , Intervention presented by: Josephine Ako — OHCHR 2013 Minorities Fellowship Programme Ms Chairperson Ms Independent expert Distinguished delegates and colleagues, First, I would like to thank the office of the High Commissioner for giving me the opportunity to participate in the 2013 minority fellowship programme As stipulated in Article1.2 of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities state must take action through law and policy in order to protect and promote the rights of minorities and their identities, we agree with the provision stated in Draft Recommendation no.5I that states should ensure that all cases of intimidation, harassment, persecution and other serious human rights 'violations against religious minorities are thoroughly and immediately investigated and perpetrators punished. Appropriate measures, including legal assistance, should be made available to religious minority groups as required in order to document cases of violence or intimidation and effectively prosecute those who commit attacks on them and. communal violence.