The previous case studies show how
communities and NGOs can use a
variety of different tactics to raise
awareness of the Declaration and
push for wider implementation of
the rights it contains at the national
and local level. This section provides
further suggestions for how minority
communities can use the Declaration
to realize their rights.
Using the
Declaration
Suggestions
for change
Right: A Garo girl
at a school in
Pirchacha, Bangladesh.
G.M.B.Akash/
Bangladesh.
18
Raising
awareness
Raising awareness of the Declaration
– among communities, government
officials, the wider public, media
and educational institutions – is an
important first step in advocacy work.
Campaigns to raise awareness of
the Declaration should consider
the following:
p Translation – The Declaration must
be accessible to the population
so translate it into the language of
your community. But check that this
has not already been done by a UN
agency first.
p Spread the word – Make sure the
Declaration is freely available and
accessible to your target audience
online, in universities, public libraries,
public and private schools.
p Influence policy-makers – Write
simple ‘briefs’ that highlight the
main points of the Declaration
so that decision-makers can
understand its provisions quickly.
Include components of national law
that implement provisions of the
Declaration where possible, such as
rights enshrined in the Constitution.
Invite policy-makers and national
human rights institutions to take part