Furthermore, the Declaration is based on the premise that the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities contribute to the political and social stability of States in which they live. However, some States, including Russia, ignore international rules-based order and misuse the protection of the rights of persons belonging to national minorities to destabilize other sovereign countries. For example, Russia justifies its war of aggression against Ukraine with false accusations, spreads disinformation about situation of national minorities in Lithuania, and other neighbouring countries. Dear colleagues, It is our collective responsibility to be vigilant in order to identify, reject and condemn false narratives and accusations at the UN fora. Now is the time to review our policies and to ensure that every right of every person belonging to a minority is protected. Thank you.

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