Minority rights focus in the United Nations 11 Promotion and protection of minority rights Based on the universality of human rights and the fundamental principle of equality and nondiscrimination, the High Commissioner strives to promote and protect the human rights of all, everywhere. The promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities is therefore an integral responsibility and significant priority of the High Commissioner and OHCHR, including field presences.18 More specifically, the High Commissioner is called upon to promote implementation of the principles contained in the Minorities Declaration and to engage in a dialogue with Governments concerned for that purpose.19 During such ongoing dialogue and country visits, the High Commissioner regularly discusses problems and possible solutions concerning situations involving minorities with both Government and civil society representatives. The High Commissioner and OHCHR also actively provide guidance and support to other bodies and organs of the United Nations. This includes follow-up on minority-related resolutions of bodies such as the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council and on the recommendations of treaty bodies, the universal periodic review, the Forum on Minority Issues and special procedures, including the Independent Expert on minority issues (see chaps. III-V). In 2012, for example, OHCHR organized a Human Rights Council panel and a range of other activities to mark the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Minorities Declaration. OHCHR also leads inter-agency work on minorities. It coordinates the United Nations Network on Racial Discrimination and Protection of Minorities established by the Secretary-General in 2012 to advance system-wide collaboration in this area. The Groups in Focus Section of the Special Procedures Branch services the Forum on Minority Issues and the mandate of the Independent Expert on minority issues. The work of the Independent Expert, including cooperation with minority rights advocates, is described in detail in chapter IV. IPMS seeks to have key human rights standards (notably the Minorities Declaration and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) more consistently reflected in national laws, policies and practices, and in the programmes and activities of the United Nations. It does so through thematic research, advice, awareness-raising and capacity-building. IPMS is also responsible for preparing the annual report of the High Commissioner on the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, presented to the Human Rights Council.20 The report summarizes the main developments in the work of the United Nations human rights bodies and mechanisms, including OHCHR, which contribute to the promotion and implementation of rights provided for under the Minorities Declaration. IPMS produces a newsletter on the activities of OHCHR and developments pertaining to minorities, and pursues thematic work on such areas as the representation and participation of minorities in policing.21 Close cooperation with OHCHR field presences is essential in order to respond to demands for targeted assistance on minority issues and to raise awareness among NGOs and other stakeholders. General Assembly resolution 48/141. OHCHR press releases on minority issues are available from www.ohchr. org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/NewsSearch.aspx?MID=IE_Minorities (accessed 29 November 2012). 18 General Assembly resolution 49/192. 19 Reports to the Human Rights Council are available from ap.ohchr.org/documents/sdpage_e.aspx?s=93 (accessed 29 November 2012). 20 See www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Minorities/Pages/NewsletterArchives.aspx (accessed 29 November 2012). 21