UNITED NATIONS FORUM ON MINORITY ISSUES Geneva, Palais des Nations 12-13 November 2009 Draft Opening remarks by Ms. Kyung-wha Kang United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights General Introduction Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen On behalf of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, it is an honour for me to open the second session of the Forum on Minority Issues. At the outset, I would like to congratulate Ms Barbara Lee on her appointment as the Chairperson of the 2nd session of the Forum. Your task is challenging but extremely important. The Forum provides a unique venue for promoting dialogue and cooperation with a view to support the implementation of minority rights, in line with the 1992 UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. It also makes an important contribution to the work of the Independent Expert on Minority Issues, Ms. Gay McDougall, who guides the work of the Forum. I would like to congratulate the Independent Expert on her proposal to focus the work of this second session on “Minorities and Effective Political Participation". The theme is of crucial importance to minorities – effective participation it is not only an important 1