    Adequate powers should be given to these bodies in order to enforce their rulings. Where the state, a majority, an interest group or political party exerts undue influence on any such body, measures should be in place to protect the body, its rulings and its staff. Civil society, the media and the judiciary should all remain vigilant and should any irregularities regarding the above processes come to light, alert the public immediately, while taking steps to counteract the violations. The international community, represented by organisations such as this forum, also have a crucial role to play in this regard, by making countries aware of best practices to prevent atrocities being committed against minorities. It should exert all possible influence where such atrocities occur, or even where the potential for such violations of human rights to take place, exist, to ensure the protection of the minorities. The South African situation set out above is negative. We realise that situations in some other countries are far more dire, but that is no reason for allowing the situation in South Africa to deteriorate even further. We appeal to the UN Forum on Minority Issues and the international community in general to take note of the situation and to join us in efforts to have a sound balance of forces restored, as the South African Constitution had intended. This would also mean voicing support for the protection of the independence of the South African media and by guarding the independence of the country’s judicial system. We thank you.