A/RES/50/180
Page 2
Noting that the working group held its first session from 28 August to
1 September 1995, and that its report will be made available to the Commission
on Human Rights,
Aware of the provisions of article 27 of the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights 2/ concerning the rights of persons belonging to
ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities,
Acknowledging that the United Nations has an increasingly important role
to play regarding the protection of minorities by, inter alia, taking due
account of and giving effect to the Declaration,
Concerned by the growing frequency and severity of disputes and
conflicts concerning minorities in many countries, and their often tragic
consequences,
Affirming that effective measures and the creation of favourable
conditions for the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging
to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, ensuring effective
non-discrimination and equality for all, contribute to the prevention and
peaceful solution of human rights problems and situations involving
minorities,
Considering that the promotion and protection of the rights of persons
belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities
contribute to political and social stability and peace and enrich the cultural
heritage of society as a whole of the States in which such persons live,
Reaffirming the obligation of States to ensure that persons belonging to
minorities may exercise fully and effectively all human rights and fundamental
freedoms without any discrimination and in full equality before the law in
accordance with the Declaration,
Noting the positive initiatives of many countries as well as regional
organizations to protect minorities and promote mutual understanding,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General, 3/
1.
General;
Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary-
2.
Urges States and the international community to promote and
protect the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and
linguistic minorities, as set out in the Declaration on the Rights of Persons
Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities,
including through the facilitation of their full participation in all aspects
of the political, economic, social, religious and cultural life of society and
in the economic progress and development in their country;
2/
See resolution 2200 A (XXI), annex.
3/
A/50/514.
/...