A/HRC/16/39
individuals belonging to the Hmong minority returned from third countries (A/HRC/15/5).
It was recommended that Spain take further measures to provide members of the police,
prison and judicial staff with human rights training, specifically focused on the protection
of human rights of women, children and ethnic or national minorities (A/HRC/15/6). With
regard to Sweden, additional steps were recommended to prevent discrimination against
immigrant, refugee and minority women (A/HRC/15/11). In the case of Turkey, it was
recommended that the State party enact comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation and
uphold minority rights with a view to fully align law and practice with international human
rights standards (A/HRC/15/13).
VI.
Conclusion
74.
The work summarized in the present report demonstrates that, while the
implementation of activities promoting inclusion and non-discrimination of minorities
is often fruitful, the rights of persons belonging to minorities still need greater
protection.
75.
While international actors can play an important role, responsibility for the
protection of human rights of persons belonging to minorities rests primarily with
Governments, which are to ensure that mechanisms are in place to ensure such
protection. The protection of minorities contributes to stable and secure societies, and
stands as a key indicator of a Government’s commitment to the protection of human
rights.
76.
Against this background, we all need to strengthen our contribution to creating
an atmosphere of tolerance in which persons belonging to minorities and nondominant groups can participate effectively in the societies in which they live.
17