Item II. Legal framework and key concepts This session considered the situations, environments, processes and factors leading to violence and atrocity crimes, including deficits in good governance, rule of law and/or in the respect for human rights. Participants discussed what factors and rights violations, such as exclusion, discrimination and inequality make minorities vulnerable. The session discussed further how patterns of discrimination against a particular minority in the political, social, economic and cultural spheres can translate into abuse and systematic violation of basic human rights, can escalate into violence and ultimately atrocity crimes High Commissioner on National Minorities of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Ms. Astrid Thors Ms. Thors stressed that power can have two manifestations: that which is misused and abused, and that which is shared and used wisely. She stressed that minority rights can be a check and balance within the power dynamics of society. Moreover, she highlighted that disruptions caused by political upheaval or resource shortages can quickly transform into conflicts between different groups in the absence of healthy governance systems, channels of communication and a culture of respect for diversity. She discussed how there can be a temptation for those in power, when faced with adversity, to take the easy way out by blaming those who are in a weaker position. She discussed how in extreme cases, power over vulnerable groups is wielded in its worst form leading to human rights violations and atrocity crimes. She then highlighted the work of OSCE tackling the structural causes of conflict and called upon OSCE participating States, civil society and other actors to help make diverse societies more resilient and responsive to the needs of all communities. She highlighted the importance of Government responses, such as relevant legislation and quality education. She discussed challenges faced within the OSCE region where the process of nation building is still an ongoing and dynamic process. Moreover, she emphasised the importance of States taking responsibility to protect human rights including minority rights, through democratic governance, the avoidance of discrimination and social integration. Finally, she stressed that the international community has the responsibility to use its available measures to stop abuses and atrocities before they occur. UN Network on Racial Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, on behalf, Mr. Antti Korkeakivi Mr. Korkeakivi began by providing a short description of the UN Network and its work, including the Guidance Note on Racial Discrimination and Minorities, which highlights key principles and suggests ways to combat racial discrimination and advance minority rights. He highlighted the applicable legal standards and principles, including those set forth in the Declaration, relevant to the protection of minority rights and emphasised on 5