legally binding treaty and a monitoring body to ensure the protection of the rights of all minorities. She mentioned that this legally binding instrument should also have a clear legal protection for minorities and include protection in situations of armed conflict while giving emphasis on minorities' social, economic and culture rights 19. Mr. Lorant Vincze stated that the international concern with respect to minority communities has been constantly declining. He stressed that the European Commission needs to be conscious that taking action especially in favor of national and linguistic minorities could benefit Member States and minorities. Interactive Dialogue20 Participants presented initiatives to involve civil society organizations around the world on minorities´ situation; the need to protect minorities’ rights by adopting polices and legislation; the establishment of a Working Group to examine gaps; and the inclusion of minorities in peace processes and conflict prevention. Item V- Open dialogue urgent situations faced by minorities Considering that since its establishment 15 years ago, the Forum on Minority Issues has been a unique platform for promoting dialogue andcooperation on issues affecting persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minority groups, under this item, the Forum welcomed constructive exchanges and the sharing of information on issues of urgent concern. Presentations on the topic under discussion were made by the following panelists: Ms. Sitarah Mohammadi, Spokesperson of World Hazara Council; Ms. Lecia Brooks, Chief of staff and culture of Southern Poverty Law Center; Mr. Igor Pimenov, President of Association for Support of Schoolswith Russian Language of Instruction in Latvia21. Ms. Sitarah Mohammadi stressed that Hazara people have endured systematic discrimination, persecution since the late 19th century and they have been collectively subjected to various forms of discrimination including forced evictions. Ms. Lecia Brooks expressed her concerns about the rise of the hatred which has been taking various forms, such as disinformation, scapegoating and blaming of minorities, barriers to voting and political participation, and violence through messages. Ms. Brooks mentioned attacks against transgender individuals and LGBTQ community and the targeting of migrants from Caribbean and South America, who have been victims of racism and extremist nationalist views. She called for the urgent 19 The integral version of the statements can be consulted on the Human Rights Council Extranet: Pages - 15th session (ohchr.org) 20 Interventions on this item can be consulted on the Human Rights Council Extranet: Pages - 15th session (ohchr.org) 21 The integral version of the statements can be consulted on the Human Rights Council Extranet: Pages - 15th session (ohchr.org)