14th Session, 2 and 3 December 2021 3. Participants The UN Forum shall be open to the participation of States, United Nations mechanisms, bodies and specialized agencies, funds and programmes, intergovernmental organizations, regional organizations and mechanisms in the field of human rights, national human rights institutions and other relevant national bodies, academics and experts on minority issues, representatives of minorities, minority and non-governmental organizations. 4. Areas of Discussion Considering the main objectives of the forum the discussions will address the following overarching themes that reflect the main challenges and issues in the field of conflict prevention through the protection of the human rights of minorities: • Root causes of contemporary conflicts involving minorities International legal and institutional framework • Legal and institutional framework: the human rights of minorities and conflict prevention • Focusing on the rights of minorities and effective early prevention of conflicts • Towards a lasting peace: positive initiatives to better protect the rights of minorities to prevent conflicts A gender perspective will be applied to all areas of discussion to address particular vulnerability and marginalization of minority women in conflict and post-conflict situations 5. Inputs and outcome The UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues encourages wide participation from States, national human rights institutions, civil society representatives, as well as regional and international organizations and minorities. Recommendations emanating from four regional forums 4