Fourteenth Session on Minority Issues: “Conflict Prevention and the Protection of the Human Rights of minorities” H.E. Ms. Nazhat Shameem Khan 2 December 2021 10h00-10h30 Madam Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished delegates and participants, Ladies and Gentlemen, Bula vinaka and good day. It is my great honour to open this fourteenth session of the Forum on Minority Issues on the theme of “Conflict Prevention and the Protection of the Human Rights of Minorities”. At the outset, I would like to welcome everyone and express my sincere thanks for all of your flexibility for participating in this Forum via a hybrid platform. Unfortunately, the current health situation in Geneva, and the accompanying restrictions, are preventing us from holding a fully in-person meeting as originally planned. I am certain, however, that this will not prevent participants from having rich interactions, and I do look forward to the discussions. If I may, I would like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome and congratulate Ms. Victoria Donda who has kindly accepted the important task of chairing this session of the Forum. Ms. Donda brings with her a wealth of experience in the field of minority issues, including as the president of the Argentinian National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism, and will undoubtedly lead this Forum and all participants. I also wish to welcome Mr. Fernand de Varennes, the Special Rapporteur on minority issues, and thank him for his longstanding work in guiding the important Forum and preparing its annual sessions. 2