First Minority Forum (15-16 December 2008) Statement by Dr. István Lakatos, Ambassador at Large for Human Rights Republic of Hungary Agenda Item II -International and Regional Human Rights Frameworks and Core Principles Madam Chair of the Forum, Madam High Commissioner, Madam Independent Expert on Minority Issues, Distinguished Delegates, honourable colleagues, dear friends, It is indeed an honour and privilege for me to be present at this very first session of the Minority Forum. Before turning our attention to the thematic issue of the forum, first of all I would like to congratulate the Independent Expert, Ms. Gay McDougall on the great work she had carried out. It is a great pleasure to see the fruit of a tireless work, and I firmly believe that within the framework of the Minority Forum we can make a real contribution to the evaluation of the situations of minorities but also to the raising of international standards for their protection. It is also a pleasure for me to greet the Chair of the Forum, Ms. Viktória Mohácsi, a Hungarian compatriot. Her achievements are an excellent example that belonging to a minority group does not necessarily prejudge the destiny of a person. Her career proves what a difference access to education could mean in the life of tens of thousands of people with a minority background. On behalf of the delegation of the Republic of Hungary allow me to say that we are extremely proud that Ms. Mohácsi was chosen to chair this event. The delegation of the Republic of Hungary is ready and willing to continue a genuine engagement with the Minority Forum in order to further the national implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. I wish to emphasize that human rights policy starts at national level. National implementation of international norms, standards and practices, enhanced cooperation with United Nations treaty bodies and the reaffirmation of values enshrined in international documents are at the forefront of our efforts. The Government of the Republic of Hungary is strongly committed to the full implementation of all international instruments in the field of human rights. Hungary is a Party of almost all existing mechanisms, and continues to participate actively in the preparatory work aimed at the elaboration of new norms, conventions or other legally binding instruments. Ladies and Gentlemen, Concerning the main ideas contained in the draft recommendations, allow me to briefly touch upon the relevant legal framework and the best practices of Hungary. Our Constitution enshrines the core principle that minorities living in Hungary are constituent parts of the state and participate in the decision-making process. The Act on the Rights of National and Ethnic Minorities enumerates thirteen minorities. The Republic of Hungary joins the Chair by recommending the formal recognition of minorities providing thus a key guarantee for an adequate legal framework.