A/70/255 United Nations system can play in filling the gaps and addressing the rights of minority communities. 19. In order to address the issue of minority rights, several interlinked approaches were often employed by the United Nations at the country level, including with regard to countries experiencing ongoing violence. This was the case in Iraq, Libya, the Syrian Arab Republic and Yemen, with a range of activities pursued to improve the protection of minorities in law and in practice, despite the extremely difficult circumstances. 20. In Iraq, minority rights work was carried out against the backdrop of serious human rights violations and the ongoing systematic persecution of minority communities by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). In March 2014, the first Conference on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Iraq ’s Diverse Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Communities was organized by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, OHCHR and the Alliance of Iraqi Minorities in Baghdad. At the conference, a road map of proposals was adopted, aimed at enhancing the protection of Iraq’s diverse communities from violence and promoting their full and equal participation in the political, social, economic an d cultural life of the country. In addition, a committee of 10 members was appointed from among the participants at the conference to devise a plan of action based on the road map. Owing to the current conflict in Iraq, advocacy with the Government on the road map has been delayed, but the committee is now being reactivated to advance efforts. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq has also supported the article 125 committee of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, named after article 125 of the Constitution of Iraq, which guarantees the administrative, political, cultural and educational rights of minorities, with a view to ensuring that a proposed draft law on minorities complies with international human rights standards. 21. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya and its Human Rights, Transitional Justice and Rule of Law Division continued to monitor and report on violations against minorities within its general monitoring mandate. It also held meetings with representatives of the Amazigh Supreme Council, the National Tabu Gathering and the Tuareg Supreme Council, as well as with human rights defenders and members of parliament. 22. In its report in August 2014, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic reported that members of ISIL had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity and posed a clear and present danger to civilians — particularly minorities — under its control in the Syrian Arab Republic and in the region. In order to build capacity to mo nitor and report on human rights violations, OHCHR held a workshop for human rights defenders, including minority representatives. The workshop covered issues relating to discrimination, sectarianism and incitement to hatred against communities at particul ar risk. Minority representatives from the Syrian Arab Republic have also actively taken part in the OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Programme. 23. The OHCHR country office in Yemen supported the participation of Muhamasheen and other minorities in key consultation processes, including in connection with the development of the country’s national human rights strategy. In cooperation with the Office of the Special Adviser to the Secretary -General on Yemen and other United Nations entities, OHCHR also supported t he constitutional 6/14 15-12580