Forum on Minority Issues – Sixth annual session Palais des Nations, Geneva, Room XX, 26-27 November 2013
Guaranteeing the rights of religious minorities GENEVA (25 November 2013) – The voices of religious minorities from around the world will be at the forefront of the sixth United Nations Forum on Minority Issues this year, organised and guided by the UN Independent Expert on minority issues, Rita Izsák, and chaired by minority rights expert Hedina Sijerèiæ. “Globally, persons belonging to religious minorities face daily violations of their rights including their minority rights. They experience discrimination, social exclusion, marginalization and in many instances harassment, persecution and violence,” Ms. Izsák said. “The reality is that in all regions the rights of religious minorities continue to be poorly implemented in practice.” Over 500 participants from all regions will gather in Geneva from 26 and 27 November 2013 to discuss some of the key issues of global concern facing religious minorities: protection of the existence of and prevention of violence against religious minorities; promotion and protection of the identity of religious minorities; and key actors and activities to promote interfaith dialogue, consultation and exchange. “The Forum on Minority Issues provides a global venue for dialogue on the issues of religious minorities and for the elaboration of practical recommendations for all,” the expert noted. “It also offers a unique opportunity for minorities to help shape tools and guidelines based on their own experiences.” This year, States, alongside representatives of religious minority communities and religious leaders, experts from UN bodies and specialized agencies, academics and other experts, will highlight challenges that face religious minorities globally as well as showcasing positive practices that exist to protect and promote their rights. A set of recommendations emanating from the session on guaranteeing the rights of religious minorities will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2014. Simultaneous translation in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish will be provided. Meeting times will be 10:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. and 15:00 to 18:00 p.m. Side events will take place from 13:00 to 15:00 p.m. on both days and full details