Name: St.Elizabeth University Bratislava Refugee Project Created On: 14/10/2015 20:39:41 Created By: Y Modified On: 11/02/2017 15:40:56 Modified By: LA Size: 5 KB Human Rights Council Forum on Minority Issues Fifth session Geneva, 27-28 November 201.2 Intervention under the Agenda Item 5: Challenges and problems encountered in the practical implementation of the Declaration. Intervention presented by: Dr. Irad Beldjebel - OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Programme -2012 - Mme Chair Person, Mme Independent Expert, Distinguished delegates and colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to thank the OHCHR for giving me the opportunity to be part of the 2012 Minorities Fellowship Programme and to take part of this 5th session of the Forum on Minorities Issues. Since 2003, the Christian population of Iraq have been the target of recurrent violence, which the country is facing; Churches destroyed, religious and community leaders killed, kidnappings, killings, discrimination and persecution at different levels have been their daily life, as a consequence, more than half of its original population had left the country, this community is facing challenge of survival. We would like to address the following recommendations : 1. Religious minorities and civil society organizations should work jointly with Iraqi government to implement the declaration on the Rights of Persons. Belonging to National Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities.