Forum on Minority Issues

 The Forum on Minority Issues has been established, as part of the Human Rights Council , as a platform to promote and discuss issues relating to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. The forum on minority issues meets annually for two days to discuss and strategize best practice models , challenges and opportunities relating to selected themes.

History of the Forum

The Human Rights Council resolved in 2007 to replace the Working Group on Minorities of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection with a forum based on  dialogue and mutual understanding on minority rights issues.  The forum was  set up to further develop and implement  provisions within the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities.  There have been two forums held based on thematic discussions on education and the political participation of minorities.

How are the experts chosen

 The Forum meets annually for two working days allocated to specific thematic discussions. The independent expert on minority issues, guides the work of the Forum, prepares its annual meetings and reports on the thematic recommendations of the Forum to the Human Rights Council.

Each year a theme is selected to be discussed at the forum .  Relevant non governmental organisations, experts from academia and civil society organisations are welcomed to register and apply to attend the forum.

A background document on themes selected and a set of draft recommendations are made available to all Forum participants, and form the basis for the discussions. Both documents are available on the OHCHR website.

How do I register to attend?

Academics , experts on minority issues, and non governmental organizations are invited to complete a registration form , letter requesting accreditation and  a questionnaire for ngo’s not in consultative status with ECOSOC. All information is posted on the OHCHR website . Participants are able to contribute to the substantive component of the forum by making oral interventions and commenting on the recommendations and background document.

 Find funding to attend?

While there are no allocated funds for minority groups, participants wishing to seek funding should direct their enquiries to the OHCHR civil society unit.