Forum on Minority Issues
Replacing the former Working Group on Minorities, the Forum on Minority Issues was established on 28 September 2007 at the 6th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) as a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on minority issues and for contributing to the work of the Independent Expert on minority issues.
Its tasks will be:
To identify issues and best practices
To make recommendations on the implementation of the 1992 United Nations Minorities Declaration
To provide the Independent Expert on Minority Issues with information
To contribute to the High Commissioner’s efforts of improving the co-operation among United Nations mechanisms, bodies and specialized agencies, Funds and Programmes on activities related to the promotion and protection of the rights of minorities
The Forum will be open to the participation of:
States
UN mechanisms, bodies and agencies
National human rights institutions
Academics and experts
NGOs
The Forum will meet for 2 days every year. The Forum Chair will be appointed by the President of the Human Rights Council in consultation with regional groups and in accordance with regional rotation.
The Independent Expert on minority issues will guide the work of the Forum by recommending focus topics. She will also transmit the Forum’s thematic recommendations to the HRC.
The first meeting of the Forum is scheduled for 4-5 September 2008, immediately prior to the 9th session of the Human Rights Council which is planned for 8–25 September 2008.
