Forum on Minority Issues 3rd Session Palais des Nations Geneva, 14 and 15 December 2010 On the theme: "Participation of minorities in economic life" Presentation and recommendations by Professor Azzouz KERDOUN, representative of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to the Forum. Keynote presentation The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights confirms in its provisions the right for anyone, including those belonging to ethnic minorities, to fully enjoy the economic, social, and cultural rights. Also, the protection of the rights of ethnic minorities must be ensured for all, and the national governments of States must ensure that minorities enjoy the fundamental rights to equality, both in legal texts and in the society at large. The contribution of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to the realization of minority rights and their effective participation in economic life is part of its mission within the framework of the International Covenant of which it monitors the implementation of the provisions by the State Parties, by periodically examining reports it receives. To this end, the Committee emphasizes the rights of minorities by insisting on their participation in the economic, political, and social life in the countries where they reside. Indeed, it is through the active participation of minority groups in public live that we can avoid problems, so that they do not degenerate into conflicts, particularly in multiethnic and multicultural states. The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights through its different sessions, constantly draws attention to the economic problems that minorities face, which can cause the explosion of ethnic conflicts. Further, it recognizes that the realization of economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development is of major importance in preventing ethnic or racial conflicts within a country where ethnic minorities live. The committee encourages the full participation in the economic life of persons belonging to minorities, following the affirmation in the Declaration of the rights of persons belonging to ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities. When examining the reports of the State Parties, the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights never fails to challenge the delegations at the time of the presentation of their reports on the place reserved for persons belonging to minorities and their participation in economic life, whether in terms of job search, or to participate in economic development projects or large scale commercial activities for which they have been consulted beforehand. Recommendations - The Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights continues to recommend that the State Parties respect the rights of minorities in the matters of the rights to work, the