United Nations General Assembly A/HRC/FMI/2013/2 Distr.: General 3 October 2013 Original: English Human Rights Council Forum on Minority Issues Sixth session 26–27 November 2013 Note by the Independent Expert on minority issues, Rita Izsák, on guaranteeing the rights of religious minorities* I. Introduction 1. At its sixth session, the Forum on Minority Issues will give targeted attention to religious minorities. While the Forum will address respect for the right to freedom of religion or belief, it will also go further, to address the full range of minority rights. It will provide a platform for the discussion of challenges and positive practices as experienced in all regions, including in terms of national legislation and policies. 2. The Forum will give high priority to the identification of positive and effective practices that have been implemented by countries in different regions to protect and promote the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities, with a particular emphasis on promoting dialogue, understanding and constructive exchange among minority and majority faith groups. Where good practices in legislation and policy are implemented, religious minorities are able to practise their religions in full equality, and can exercise and enjoy all of their rights and participate fully in all spheres of life. Positive practices include the establishment of comprehensive anti-discrimination and equality legislation, as well as mechanisms and institutions to address discrimination and encourage constructive interfaith dialogue, understanding and exchange. Such measures play an important role in preventing tensions and promoting equality and social stability. 3. In accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 19/23, the Independent Expert on minority issues has the mandate to guide the work of the Forum and prepare its annual meetings. A set of recommendations emanating from this sixth session of the Forum will be presented by the Independent Expert to the Council at its twenty-fifth session, in March 2014. * Late submission. GE.13-17728