A/HRC/22/49 contributions to consultations on inequalities in the development agenda beyond 2015. She emphasized the need for solutions that work effectively for disadvantaged minorities, and that strategies beyond 2015 should better address and target the development needs and human rights of minorities. She participated in a side event on this issue hosted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on 28 November 2012, during the fifth session of the Forum on Minority Issues. 11. The Independent Expert participated in events to mark the twentieth anniversary of the 1992 Declaration on Minorities. On 22 and 23 May 2012, she participated in an expert seminar in Vienna on enhancing the effectiveness of international, regional and national human rights mechanisms in protecting and promoting the rights of religious minorities, hosted by the Government of Austria and organized by OHCHR. She expressed concern regarding the rights and security of religious minorities globally and discussed her initial work to identify challenges and positive practices in the area of the rights of religious minorities, and initiatives to improve interfaith dialogue and understanding. 12. On 19 and 20 November the mandate holder participated in an event in Doha, entitled ―Reflections on the inclusion of human rights in the process of constitutional reforms in the region of the Middle East and North Africa‖, organized by OHCHR. She emphasized that implementation of the Declaration should be strengthened in that region and that strong provisions for minority rights in constitutions and national law are important components of national minority protection and good governance. 13. On 9 November the Independent Expert participated in the Fifth Budapest Human Rights Forum, joining a panel to discuss minority issues on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the Declaration. She highlighted challenges to implementation of the Declaration, as well as the important role of the United Nations, including her mandate and the Forum on Minority Issues, and national Governments and other stakeholders in promoting such implementation. She noted the need for enhanced institutional attention to minority issues at the national level. E. Statements 14. The Independent Expert issued public statements jointly with other mandates, highlighting issues of concern involving minorities. These included statements on International Roma Day (8 April), calling for States to share and implement solutions known to work for the inclusion of Roma;2 on Roma Holocaust Remembrance Day (2 August), urging States to confront modern-day hatred, violence and discrimination against Roma;3 on Latvia, relating to the referendum on the status of the Russian language;4 on Pakistan, calling for action to end sectarian violence;5 on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, calling for the struggle against racism to be given higher priority by States as a key human rights objective and a means to prevent conflict;6 on France, calling for full compliance with international standards in its evictions and expulsion of Roma;7 on Libya, urging protection of minority Sufi sites and communities;8 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 See www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=12046&LangID=E. See www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=12401&LangID=E. See www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=11855&LangID=E. See www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=11895&LangID=E. See www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=11991&LangID=E. See www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=12466&LangID=E. See www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=12485&LangID=E. 5