The world is “a long way” from fulfilling its promise to protect the rights of minorities

The world is “far below” commitments made three decades ago to protect minority communities, the General secretary of the UN, who called for concrete measures to counteract this negligence.

António Guterres made that statement in New York at a ceremony to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities.

The act took place on the margins of the UN General Assembly, which brings together world leaders, to critically assess the progress of the historic document.

Blatant inaction and negligence

Guterres was forceful in his evaluation of the efforts of countries to achieve compliance with the principles of the Declaration.

“The harsh truth is that, 30 years later, the world is falling short. far below“, said.

He added: “This is not about loopholes: this is about utter inaction and negligence in protecting minority rights.”

Women are the most affected

He reported that minorities have faced forced assimilation, persecution, prejudice, discrimination, stereotypes, hatred and violence.

They have also been stripped of their political and citizenship rights, and have seen their cultures stifled, their languages ​​suppressed and their religious practices restricted.

Furthermore, more than three-quarters of the world’s stateless people are minorities, while the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed deep-seated patterns of exclusion and discrimination that disproportionately affect their communities.

“Minority women have often been hit the hardest: they face escalating gender-based violence, lose jobs in greater numbers, and benefit the least from any fiscal stimulus,” she added.

For the Secretary-General, it is time for the international community to fulfill its commitments.

call to action

“We need political leadership and determined action. I call on all Member States to take concrete steps to protect minorities and their identity“, said.

The head of the UN indicated his Call to Action for Human Rightsreleased in February 2020, as a “blueprint” for all governments to tackle long-standing discrimination issues.

In the meantime, your report Our Common Agendapublished last September, calls for a renewed social contract anchored in a comprehensive approach to human rights.

Guterres stressed that minorities must participate actively and on equal terms in all actions and decisionsadding that this involvement is not just for your benefit.

“We all benefit,” he said. “States that protect minority rights are more peaceful. Economies that promote the full participation of minorities are more prosperous. Societies that embrace diversity and inclusion are more vibrant. And a world in which rights are respected rights of all is more stable and fairer”.

The commemoration should serve as a “catalyst for action,” he said, urging countries to work together to make the Declaration a reality for minorities around the world.

About the Declaration

The 1992 Declaration is the only UN international human rights instrument devoted entirely to the rights of minorities.

Its text enshrines three fundamental truths, namely:

• minority rights are human rights
• the protection of minorities is an integral part of the mission of the United Nations
• the promotion of these rights is vital to promote political and social stability and prevent conflicts within and between countries