is the result of a deep-rooted history of discrimination - long-sustained prejudices against specific groups having evolved into institutionalised discrimination, eventually resulting in discriminatory treatments in all stages of the administration of criminal justice. Across regions, evidence indicates disturbing patterns of violations of the rights of minorities in the criminal justice process. Most alarmingly, these abuses often remain undocumented, unchallenged and free from punishment. How can we talk about the pursuit of human rights and justice for all if the systems that are in place to precisely protect the rights of those most vulnerable to abuse, deliver unequal standards of justice? International human rights principles and standards, including the rights enshrined in the 1992 Declaration the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, are instrumental to combat and prevent discriminatory law and practices against minorities in the criminal justice system. Curtailment of rights of minorities is never justified on the basis of cultural, juridical or other national specificities. However, with the many remaining challenges I look forward to your recommendations on how to achieve this goal. OHCHR contributes to this objective by making full use of its operational presence at the national, regional and global levels to provide states and other relevant stakeholders with many practical recommendations on how to promote the rights of minorities in the criminal justice system, including fostering the participation of minorities in law enforcement agencies. For instance, in 2013 OHCHR launched a series of consultations on "participation of minorities in policing: community policing as a good practice", with the view to collecting experiences that proved to be effective. Ultimately, the consultations clearly pointed out the need for inclusive policing strategies as an integral part of comprehensive governmental policies relating to the protection of minority rights. OHCHR also supports two funds, the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture and the UN Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, which are effective tools in the fight against impunity with a strong victim-centre approach. The Slavery Fund