A/HRC/19/27 I. Introduction 1. In its resolution 13/12, the Human Rights Council requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to present an annual report to the Council containing information on relevant developments in the work of United Nations human rights bodies and mechanisms, as well as on the activities undertaken by OHCHR at Headquarters and in the field, that contribute to the promotion of and respect for the provisions of the Declaration on Minorities on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. 2. The present report describes the efforts made by OHCHR and the United Nations human rights machinery to strengthen the implementation of the provisions contained in the Declaration on Minorities. It provides illustrative examples of the activities and the initiatives undertaken at Headquarters and by several field presences that contribute to the implementation of the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. II. Work of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights at Headquarters and in the field 3. OHCHR continued to pursue a range of activities to advance the promotion and implementation of the Declaration on Minorities, in accordance with the High Commissioner’s Strategic Management Plan for the biennium 2010-2011. The first thematic priority under the Plan is countering discrimination, in particular racial discrimination and discrimination on various other grounds, which frequently results in exclusion and marginalization. Problems affecting minority communities are often linked to violations of the principle of non-discrimination, which in turn contribute to the denial of effective participation by minorities in decisions, including those affecting them. 4. In 2011, the High Commissioner expressed concerns about the situation of minorities in various public statements. In January 2011, she condemned the attacks targeting religious groups in several countries across the world, and urged States to demonstrate their determination in combating such violence and in rooting out discriminatory laws and practices affecting religious minorities. The High Commissioner also expressed concerns about the challenges faced by minorities witnessed during her country visits, including the situation of Roma in Europe. 5. At the beginning of 2011, OHCHR issued a publication entitled “Minority Rights: International Standards and Guidance for Implementation”, which provides guidance on standards and mechanisms pertaining to the protection of minorities, as well as a checklist for developing programmes and projects on minorities. OHCHR also published a booklet on the contents of the Declaration on Minorities, accompanied by soundbytes, which capture the essence of each provision and are accompanied by photographs of minorities around the world. 6. In April 2011, during its annual meeting of the heads of OHCHR field presences, OHCHR dedicated a session to the protection of indigenous peoples and minority rights. Participants in the session explored strategies that could be implemented to advance the rights of persons belonging to minorities. 7. OHCHR contributed substantively to a two-day training workshop on minority rights and development, held in Strasbourg, France, on 17 and 18 November 2011. The workshop was organized by the Bratislava Regional Centre of the United Nations 3