Statement by H.E Ambassador Gharibabadi Deputy Secretary-General of the High Council for Human Rights Islamic Republic of Iran The ninth session of Forum on Minority Issues Geneva, 24 November 2016 Mr. Chairperson, In the beginning, we take note of the report of the Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Ms. Rita Izsàk-Ndiaye which has addressed the human rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, in situations of humanitarian crises. Minorities are often disproportionately affected by humanitarian crises such as violence due to a conflict, or damage and destruction caused by natural or man-made disasters. In this regard,we acknowledge that humanitarian aid should apply to all people affected by a crises, however, itshouldbeensuredthat minorities arenotmarginalizedor discriminated. Mr. Chairperson, We correspond with the view that the so-called Islamic State (Daesh) has created immense suffering and targeted different communities in the region, in particular, Yezidis, Christians, Turkmen, Sunnis and Shias, including killings, physical and mental harm, which have been committed