14th Session, 2 and 3 December 2021 clear that in recent decades, most of the conflicts tend to be internal, usually with the ethnic, linguistic or religious dimension. Wide-reaching, inclusive and action oriented discussions with the participation of minorities are needed on the ways forward and means to advance the protection of the human rights of minorities and the prevention of conflicts involving them. Participation of minority women and minority youth should be particularly encouraged as, according to the tenth session of the UN Forum on Minority Issues they should be seen as an essential part of preventing conflicts and building peaceful communities (see A/HRC/37/73). As prevention is usually discussed in a post-conflict context, and given that stopping violence once a conflict has erupted is far more difficult (and costly) than preventing one, the UN Forum will aim to shift the focus towards prevention and inspire for action. 2. General Objectives The UN Forum on Minority Issues aims to provide a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues pertaining to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, as well as thematic contributions and expertise to the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues. The UN Forum shall analyse practices, challenges, opportunities and initiatives in addressing conflict prevention through the protection of the human rights of minorities, in line with human rights law, paying attention to the principles and rights enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities and other relevant international instruments. The UN Forum shall, inter alia, examine effective state legislation, policies and programmes as well as initiatives of other relevant stakeholders, including international and regional organizations, national human rights institutions and civil society. 3