Sixteenth session of the Forum on Minority Issues 30 November 2023 - 01 December 2023 The institute for protection of women's rights (IPWR) SPEAKER: BAHAR AKHAVAN Mr. President All over the world, minorities are often prevented from participating fully or effectively in economic, social and political life. Among members of ethnic minorities, women and girls face double discrimination, resulting in limited access to opportunities and resources and limiting their livelihood options and activities. They can experience complex, multiple forms of discrimination that affect every aspect of their lives, including their social interactions, their health and their work. For example, Muslim women in European countries are often subjected to hate speech and are routinely denied basic rights and opportunities. The international community is committed to “leaving no one behind”. Therefore, the voice and participation of communities and ethnic minorities is a key factor in the search for community-based solutions. Mr. President I would like to use this unique forum to speak up for Muslim women in European countries whose voices have been silenced and whose lives have been affected by discrimination, intolerance and exploitation, and to emphasize the urgent need to improve the situation of Muslim minorities around the world.