Item 4: Focusing on the rights of minorities and effective early prevention of conflicts Participants were invited to reflect on how dedicated and specialized mechanisms with appropriate mandates can concentrate on the minority dimension of conflicts by identifying situations where there is systematic denial of the rights of minorities. They were expected to examine the existence of early conflict prevention mechanisms at various levels, including at the international, regional, subregional, national and local levels. Participants were invited to touch upon the need to focus on minorities and pool the outputs of the early warning systems of United Nations agencies, funds, programmes and agencies, and of other intergovernmental organizations. Participants were further invited to consider what makes such mechanisms a compelling tool for effectively preventing costly and protracted conflicts involving minorities. Participants were expected to pay special attention to the importance of including a gender perspective in early effective conflict prevention. Presentations on the topic under discussion were made by the following panellists: Ms. Aya Manaa, Palestinian Human Rights Defender and Activist from Israel; and Mr. Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Ghana. Ms. Aya Manaa, Palestinian Human Rights Defender and Activist from Israel expressed concern about the lack of safety for the Palestinian minority. She noted that it is difficult to focus on culture, education and development when people do not feel safe and live in constant fear. She referred to studies which prove that welfare and equality reduce the level of crimes. Ms. Manaa noted that different minorities are suffering from similar grievances and atrocities and lack of inclusiveness and equality. She added that patterns of discrimination must be addressed to prevent future conflicts. Ms. Manaa explained that the protection of minorities is key for stability and effective early prevention of conflicts through laws which promote justice and equality, peace, stability and justice. Ms. Manaa stressed the need to address core grievances of minorities, including exclusion and discriminatory practices, and noted that there cannot be peace without justice. She recommended that the United Nations should establish a regional high-level advisory body on minority issues, as well as national fact-finding missions on minority issues for the Middle East. She also recommended ensuring the participation of minorities in the development of polices and laws. Mr. Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Ghana focused his presentation on mainstreaming minority concerns into early warning mechanisms 12