6th Geneva Forum on the rights of minorities (26-27 November 2013) Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights / Palais des Nations – Geneva / Switzerland “Freedom of religion or belief: guaranteeing the rights of religious minorities” Ms President of the session Ladies and Gentlement, Dear friends, My speech is about “Minorities in Iraq, victims of religious, ethnic and communitarianism-driven conflicts” - Allow me to cry out on behalf of whole Iraq and all Iraqis, who suffer because of the inexistence of a culture of dialogue in the country since 2003. - Today, the Middle-East is boiling on a hot plate and Iraq is certainly an important element in the tensions among the countries of the region and the international community. - According to international norms, minorities shall enjoy two types of rights: the national law, which is imposed by the concept of national citizenship, and the law related to their minority status, which requires to maintain the heritage and authenticity of minorities. But minorities in Iraq are marginalised and excluded from the participation to higher State positions, and they are also a target for many sides. Political parties in power look down at them because of this nomination. Moreover, minorities are sometimes used only for political aims and agreements, or before the media for electoral aims and in order to polish the image of political parties. - Everybody is aware that acts of religious and sectarian violence are only a “Fitna”, or incitement that leads to keeping the social fabric torn. Even politicians recognised it. In today’s conflicts, the whole is against the whole. This is the tragedy of a whole people, in the absence of a patriotic concept and civilised dialogue. Nor is there any partnership based on the real interests of the State instead of the religious, ethnic, or sectarian interests. - While violence has affected everyone without exception, we can agree that minorities are hit harder because of the conflict between political powers for money, honour and power. - Regarding dialogue, Muslim, Christian or other religious leaders coexist, fighting in a very wise and fine manner for the promotion of dialogue and for putting an end to migration and forced displacements that affect especially minorities. Yet their call for realising justice and equality for all remain unheard by politicians and the government. - Today, we cannot accept any more a Western policy that encourages Iraqis to migrate, which empties the country from its citizens and competences. Instead of this, the international community should make an effort to put pressure on politicians in order to give them natural rights and integrate them into the