B. Assessing the situation of minorities in the national context • Are minority groups recognized in the country? If so, is it through any specific legal or policy framework? • What are the most relevant concerns for minorities in the country, i.e., gaps and situation analysis to assess rights to which minorities are entitled and that are not being enjoyed and for what reasons? • Are these concerns specific to minorities or do other groups or segments of society share the same concerns? • Do these concerns affect women and men alike within minority groups and in society at large? • What recommendations have the human rights treaty bodies or the special procedures made regarding the situation of minorities? • Are there NGOs working on the issues that affect minorities? Have they, or NHRIs, produced reports, surveys or other studies, or have concerns relating to minorities been raised by the media or international NGOs? • Do any disaggregated data exist along national or ethnic, religious and linguistic lines, demonstrating the situation of minorities in relation to the general population? C. Identifying priorities to address the situation of minorities 1. Protection of the existence of national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities • Historically, have there been cases of persecution, systematic and widespread violence, atrocities, sexual violence, or acts of genocide perpetrated against minorities? • Are there cases in which members of minority groups are being physically expelled or forcibly deported from the country? • Are there specific situations in which minority groups and/or their members are particularly excluded or targeted? • Are there situations in which minorities are suffering as a direct or indirect result of the historical events and does this legacy still have an impact on their lives or livelihoods? • Are cases of violence against minorities systematically investigated and, if not, why not? What are the main causes of violence against minorities? • Are freedom of religion and the right to enjoy and maintain one’s own culture respected? 28