A/HRC/22/60
minorities should, wherever possible, be made available in minority languages, including
through the establishment of minority media outlets.
48.
States should collaborate fully with international and regional human rights
mechanisms, including by implementing the recommendations issued by them and in
seeking technical assistance to that end, if required. Where relevant, country reports
submitted to human rights treaty bodies should contain information on the situation of
minorities in the State and on measures taken to implement the Declaration and other
minority rights standards.
49.
In times of national economic difficulties or other grave challenges, Governments
should ensure that any measures adopted, including austerity measures and other action
taken to address the situation, do not disproportionately negatively affect minorities that
might be more vulnerable. They should develop monitoring mechanisms to assess the
impact of policy on different sectors of society including minorities.
50.
States should review progress made by disadvantaged minority groups in relation to
each of the Millennium Development Goals and step up their efforts towards reaching the
goals for minorities by 2015. Such review processes should lead to the drafting of new
strategies and budgets for development under the post-2015 framework, reflecting
heightened attention to minority issues where necessary, including mechanisms for
participation of minorities in decision-making on development issues that affect them. The
post-2015 framework should include indicators to monitor the progress for minorities.
B.
National human rights institutions
51.
National human rights institutions should consider establishing specific mechanisms
within their secretariats to address minority issues, including for instance a department,
section or focal point on minority issues. Minority rights and minority issues should be
fully reflected in their activities and programmes. The institutions should develop
programmes, activities and projects based on the provisions of the Declaration, such as
those relating to minority participation, education, language rights, civic education and
other key minority issues. A part of their websites should be devoted to minority issues and
available in minority languages. They should be fully involved in drafting and reviewing
legislation relevant to minority issues and in monitoring its implementation.
52.
National human rights institutions should ensure that they have internal expertise on
minority rights and that minorities are represented in their governing bodies and the
composition of their staff, including at senior levels. Minority candidates, including
women, should be targeted in recruitment activities for employment in specialist roles or
sections; minorities should not, however, be confined to such specialist roles.
53.
The establishment of regional or local sub-offices should be considered where
appropriate by national human rights institutions, including in areas with concentrated
minority communities and in localities where communities may face particular challenges,
such as poverty, conflict or displacement. The offices should be provided with sufficient
resources both in terms of staffing and logistics. Local offices or sub-offices should strive
to develop their knowledge of local minority rights issues, monitor evolving situations,
build relationships with communities and authorities and respond effectively to minority
issues. They should also ensure that local minority issues and concerns are reflected in
regional- or national-level decisions and policymaking, and that national policy and
programmes in turn reach and benefit minorities in remote regions.
54.
Complaint handling services within national human rights institutions should be
made easily accessible to minorities. Information or resources to enable them to make or to
pursue complaints or to seek alternative solutions outside the courts, including mediation
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