Mr. Conchúr Ó Muadaigh, Advocacy manager, Conradh na Gaeilge focused his presentation on the Irish language as a minoritized language in the north of Ireland in the context of a post-conflict society, and the role of the Irish language in all of Ireland’s major peace agreements. He noted that the Irish language has been oppressed, Irish speakers have been marginalized, and the teaching of Irish in schools has been prohibited. Mr. Ó Muadaigh explained that following a 30-year conflict, the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) was signed in 1998. The GFA promised to remove restrictions which discouraged the maintenance and development of the Irish language. Instead, he regretted, Irish speakers have faced continued denigration by public representatives. Mr. Ó Muadaigh stated that for international law to be adhered to, and agreements honoured, constant vigilance is necessary. He explained that this is the only way to ensure Irish language speakers in the north of Ireland, and minorities across the world, can effectively challenge hostility, sectarianism and marginalization. He called on the Forum to support the immediate implementation of a comprehensive law and strategy on the Irish language as a means to facilitate reconciliation and parity of esteem. Discussion Participants raised issues and presented initiatives, such as: - The root causes of minority conflict can vary from one country to another as each country has its own history, culture and traditions, and the level of development varies greatly. Root causes may include the exclusion, marginalization and denial of the rights of minorities, deprivation of education in their mother tongue, the commission of atrocities, crimes against humanity and war crimes against minorities leading to their displacement, and continued insecurity caused by militarization. - States can resolve minority conflicts by promoting the question of minorities and providing more opportunities for the minorities to freely present their demands. - Global and regional early warning and prevention mechanisms are pivotal for addressing the root causes of disastrous wars and violent conflicts. - Hate speech, entrenched misperceptions between various groups along national, ethnic, religious and cultural spectrum, and incitement to violence should be treated as a number one warning signs against the conflicts unfolding or looming on the horizon. 8