Campaign to keep minority voices at the UN

This campaign has been successful! MRG would like to thank you very much for your support

On 28th September 2007 the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) voted to establish a new Forum on Minority Issues.

The Forum will:

  • Be an official UN meeting that provides a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on minority issues and contribute to the work of the Independent Expert on Minority Issues
  • Be open to participation of States, UN bodies, National Human Rights Institutions and NGOs. Importantly, there will be a mechanism for non-ECOSOC status NGOs to participate
  • Have its thematic recommendations transmitted to the HRC by the Independent Expert
Nyang'ori Ohenjo making a statement to the UN Human Rights Council on behalf of MRG
Nyang'ori Ohenjo making a statement to the UN Human Rights Council on behalf of MRG. Listen to the UN webcast of the statement.

Unfortunately the duration of the Forum will only be for 2 days a year; however, given the level of opposition from some states, the fact that it was created by the HRC is a good achievement in itself. We must now turn our attention to ensuring that when the first Forum meets in 2008 it is effective in furthering the rights of minorities. MRG will provide more information on the first session of the Forum on our website as soon as it is available.