A/HRC/25/30
implementing the guidance note; and (d) setting measurable outputs for the network to
assess progress in the implementation of the guidance note.
34.
In terms of the implementation strategy, the network will set up small working
groups to pursue selected action plan activities, with one network member coordinating the
work of each group. The activities will include, for instance: (a) providing support to the
United Nations country teams working on initiatives of relevance to the guidance note;
(b) enhancing existing training packages; (c) supporting regional initiatives; (d) facilitating
exchanges between United Nations country teams; (e) drafting targeted advisory notes; and
(f) disseminating recommendations from international and regional bodies.
35.
Overall, the network will continuously identify emerging opportunities during the
four-year period of the action plan and will facilitate means of integrating the action plan
into new initiatives. The network has held five meetings so far (by videoconference). Some
of the meetings were preceded by events or consultations, organized by OHCHR in
collaboration with minority organizations and other stakeholders, on the advancement of
work in the United Nations system to combat racial discrimination and protect minorities.
IV. Treaty bodies
36.
Human rights treaty bodies have addressed minority issues throughout the reporting
period, as illustrated in the non-exhaustive selection of examples that follows:
General comments and concluding observations
1.
(a)
Human Rights Committee
106th session (15 October–2 November 2012)
37.
In the concluding observations for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Human Rights
Committee recommended to the State party to ensure that citizens from all ethnic groups
could participate equally in elections (CCPR/C/BIH/CO/2, para. 6) and expressed concerns
regarding the situation of Roma in the areas of access to housing, health care, employment,
education, and participation in public affairs (para. 21). Similar concerns with regard to
Roma were raised in the report on Portugal (CCPR/C/PRT/CO/4, para. 5).
38.
In the report on Turkey, the Committee recommended that the State party should
ensure that all persons belonging to ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities are effectively
protected against any form of discrimination (CCPR/C/TUR/CO/1, para. 9). The
Committee also requested that Germany ensure enjoyment of the right to housing without
discrimination based on ethnicity (CCPR/C/DEU/CO/6, para. 7).
(b)
107th session (11–28 March 2013)
39. The Human Rights Committee considered the third periodic report of Hong Kong,
China, and recommended that it consider introducing comprehensive laws against racial
discrimination, in accordance with the Covenant. The Committee also expressed concerns
regarding the situation of ethnic minorities and recommended that Hong Kong, China
intensify its efforts to improve the quality of Chinese language education for ethnic
minorities and non-Chinese-speaking students with an immigrant background, in
collaboration with the Equal Opportunities Commission and other groups concerned
(CCPR/C/CHN-HKG/CO/3, paras. 19 and 22).
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