Search Tips
sorted by
30 shown of 471 entities
7 columns hidden
Title | Date added | Template | Original document | Paragraph text | Body | Document type | Thematics | Topic(s) | Person(s) affected | Year |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reflections on the six-year tenure of the Special Rapporteur 2017, para. 92 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | The Special Rapporteur calls upon States to review their respective domestic legislation to ensure that it is fully in line with the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. She recalls the four pillars of minority rights protection that should be reflected in those laws: (a) the protection of a minority's survival by combating violence against its members and preventing genocide; (b) the protection and promotion of the cultural identity of minority groups, and their right to enjoy their collective identity and to reject forced assimilation; (c) the guarantee of the rights to non-discrimination and equality, including ending structural or systemic discrimination and the promotion of affirmative action, when required; (d) the right to effective participation of minorities in public life and in decisions that affect them. The Special Rapporteur wishes to stress that merely having non-discrimination clauses, according to which all members of the society are to be treated equally, without the aforementioned additional guarantees have often proven insufficient for effective protection of disadvantaged minorities. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2017 | ||
Reflections on the six-year tenure of the Special Rapporteur 2017, para. 42 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | The Special Rapporteur welcomed the work of her predecessor relating to the rights and status of members of minorities in all regions that find themselves denied or deprived of citizenship, and has continued to raise awareness on these specific communities. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2017 | ||
Priorities for the work of the Independent Expert and the twentieth anniversary of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities 2012, para. 70 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | The issues and concerns of minority women frequently receive a lower priority than the efforts made to ensure minority rights for the group in general. Women belonging to minority groups often struggle within their communities to advocate for their rights, which can be set aside as a result of the prioritization of the general concerns of the group. Barriers to the empowerment of some minority women, including lack of social or economic contact, networks or minority women's support groups, and scarcity of female minority role models have an important impact on the enjoyment by minority women and girls of their human rights. Minority women may hesitate to voice their gender-specific grievances even within their groups, let alone outside them. Minority women's rights could also benefit from increased attention by the broader movement for women's rights. In turn, the women's rights movement would also benefit from the specific experiences of minority women in their overall struggle for equality. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2012 | ||
Priorities for the work of the Independent Expert and the twentieth anniversary of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities 2012, para. 38 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | The independent expert emphasizes that full implementation by all States of the Declaration on Minorities should be considered a key measure to promote equality and political and social stability and as an essential component of good governance in diverse societies. She will pay particular attention to early signs of potential conflicts among different communities, such as indicators of increasing alienation or hatred against certain groups. Examination of challenges and positive practices relating to hate speech and hate crime legislation will be an area of focus. She will seek consultations with diverse stakeholders including in countries where inter-ethnic or interreligious tensions or conflict have previously occurred in order to identify ongoing challenges as well as learn about positive practices, preventative strategies and peace-building initiatives. In particular she draws attention to the need for minorities to be appropriately represented and to participate effectively in public life. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2012 | ||
Reflections on the six-year tenure of the Special Rapporteur 2017, para. 64 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | In some instances, States are reluctant to recognize the existence of minority groups within their territories, and therefore reject the concept of "minority" and the recognition of minority status for those groups. In other cases, States legally recognize certain groups as minorities in their constitution, but apply restrictive definitions or discriminatory criteria, for example, when introducing citizenship as a distinguishing criterion for granting minority rights (ibid., para. 10). | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2017 | ||
Reflections on the six-year tenure of the Special Rapporteur 2017, para. 62 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | In certain regions, she has found that groups that fall or would fall under the legal category of "minorities" because of the distinct cultural, linguistic, religious or other identity of their members reject the use of the term, which they regard as "derogatory", "discriminatory", or establishing a "second-class" category of citizens. In these cases, groups tend to use alternative nomenclature to refer to themselves, such as "religious groups", "communities", "societal components" and others. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2017 | ||
Reflections on the six-year tenure of the Special Rapporteur 2017, para. 60 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | The Special Rapporteur is concerned that in some regions and in several countries, minority rights protection is not seen to be important, or even relevant, owing to deliberate denial or lack of understanding of its legitimacy. There is a need for stronger awareness-raising on what the entire minority rights protection regime entails, that it also includes wide-ranging issues around religious and linguistic identity, and that the effective promotion and protection of the rights of minorities contribute to the political and social stability of States and, therefore, are always timely and important. It is essential to understand that majority-minority relations should be assessed not only from a national perspective but also specifically in the context of smaller territorial and local levels, where the dynamics and dimensions of identity, ethnicity, religion, language and access to power and resources are frequently more important and play a greater role in the daily lives of individuals and communities. The notions of "majority" and "minority" may be interchangeable and depend on the particular context, as a group that constitutes a dominant majority nationally or regionally may be numerically inferior and non-dominant in another region. Therefore, minority rights standards must also be applied to those groups constituting de facto minorities in the localities where they live. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2017 | ||
Reflections on the six-year tenure of the Special Rapporteur 2017, para. 38 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | In her report, the Special Rapporteur emphasized that for minorities, language was a central element and expression of their identity and of key importance in the preservation of group identity. Language was often particularly important to non-dominant communities seeking to maintain their distinct group and cultural identity, sometimes under conditions of marginalization, exclusion and discrimination. Minority language rights and language use were frequently a source of tensions, both between and within States. Proponents of linguistic rights had sometimes been associated with secessionist movements or had been seen as a threat to the integrity or unity of a State. The Special Rapporteur pointed out that it was often only when minorities asserted their rights to identity and language that discrimination or persecution started. Fulfilling the rights of minorities, including their language rights, was an essential means to prevent tensions from emerging and was a key element of good governance and conflict prevention. If not appropriately addressed at an early stage, such tensions had led to protracted conflicts and deepening of divisions between linguistic groups. Where conflicts had ceased or peacebuilding initiatives were under way, it was essential that all groups in society should play a full role in discussions, negotiations and decision-making processes. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2017 | ||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 135 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | Human rights education in schools should be a mandatory subject. Language in school textbooks should be revised to eliminate stereotypical and prejudicial portrayals of caste-affected communities and contest the social construction of caste and caste-like systems and related notions, including untouchability and segregation. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2016 | ||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 127 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | The Special Rapporteur believes that relevant elements and standards emanating from the minority rights framework, including equality, non discrimination, consultation, participation and special measures, can contribute to the protection of the rights of caste-affected communities and should be applied to combat discrimination based on caste and analogous systems. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2016 | ||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 126 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | Discrimination on the basis of caste and analogous systems is a major cause of poverty, inequality and social exclusion of affected communities. In the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, States should consider including caste-specific indicators to ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals and their targets address the situation of affected groups. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2016 | ||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 115 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | In Japan, the Law on Special Measures for Dowa Projects, enacted in 1969 and in force until 2002, was aimed at improving the living conditions in identified Buraku districts (Dowa districts) by improving access to welfare, employment and education, and providing redress in cases of discrimination against Buraku people. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
| 2016 | |||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 99 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | Atrocities against women from marginalized castes are often committed when they try to assert their rights and challenge caste and gender norms. Perpetrators include dominant caste landlords, police officers, doctors and teachers, with the "punishment" both being expressive of caste outrage and intended to teach the woman and her community a lesson. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2016 | ||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 98 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | Women from disadvantaged caste groups are also the main victims of trafficking, and are especially vulnerable to early and/or forced marriage, bonded labour and harmful cultural practices. Accusations of witchcraft are sometimes made to deprive Dalit women of their basic economic and social rights, including access to land and their assets. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2016 | ||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 81 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | In Yemen, the Muhamasheen mainly reside in underdeveloped neighbourhoods on the outskirts of the capital. More than half of their households rely on external water sources such as dams, streams or wells; only two out of five households have latrines. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
| 2016 | |||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 80 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | As highlighted by the Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation, stigma associated with caste manifests, inter alia, in lack of access to drinking water and sanitation facilities and in restricted access to shared or common water and sanitation facilities. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2016 | ||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 79 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | Reports indicate that caste-affected communities face discrimination in accessing adequate housing and housing segregation. They may be forced to live on the outskirts of towns, or in segregated colonies or informal settlements, and may also be subject to forced evictions and displacement. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2016 | ||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 67 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | Caste discrimination exerts a strong influence in the religious sphere. Individuals from the lowest castes may be barred from religious sites, relegated to separate religious buildings or separate spaces and buried in separate cemeteries. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2016 | ||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 58 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | Often, claiming human rights is considered as "forbidden", and deserving of punishment. Inter-caste and inter-group marriages; demands for land rights, increased wages and political participation; and refusal to perform traditional occupations, may trigger not only economic retaliation by those most threatened by changes in the status quo, but also unleash violence. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2016 | ||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 57 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | The use of violence against individuals and communities at the lower end of caste and caste-like systems to maintain the system and perpetuate oppression is common. Attempts to alter the social order by questioning and actively defying caste rules may result in harassment, threats, physical attacks and even murder. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2016 | ||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 47 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | The Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities requires States to take measures to ensure "that persons belonging to minorities may exercise fully and effectively all their human rights and fundamental freedoms without any discrimination and in full equality before the law" (art. 4 (1)). | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2016 | ||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 42 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | In Senegal, caste systems exist within several ethnic groups, particularly among the Wolof community, which is divided between the Geer and the Neeno. Some forms of untouchability are allegedly practised against some Neeno groups, including prohibition from residing or remaining in particular places and avoidance of physical contact. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2016 | ||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 40 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | In Madagascar, there are 18 main tribes, some of which have their own caste systems, such as the Merina and the Bara. Within the Merina hierarchy, there are four main castes: the Andriana, the Hova, the Mainty and the Andevo. The Andevo (descendants of slaves) face caste discrimination, especially in marriage, and are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, poverty and slavery-like practices. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2016 | ||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 37 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | In Yemen, the Muhamasheen ("marginalized ones"), also known as Al Akhdam, constitute a minority group subjected to descent-based discrimination. There are no official data, but unofficial sources estimate their number at between 500,000 and 3.5 million. Their occupational roles include garbage collection, street sweeping and cleaning toilets and drains. They suffer from social stigma and discrimination, which exacerbate their socioeconomic exclusion and poverty. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
| 2016 | |||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 30 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | Stigmatization and dehumanization of affected communities is further reinforced by negative stereotypes in the media and, as the Special Rapporteur has noted previously, the repeated presentation of broad negative stereotypes of minority groups as, inter alia, "dirty", which nurtures inaccurate and false assumptions and opinions that may eventually develop into discriminatory attitudes and entrenched prejudices. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2016 | ||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 28c | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | [Caste and analogous systems present distinguishing characteristics:] (c) Untouchability practices: a set of collective behaviours and norms stemming from the belief that contact with individuals from lower castes is "polluting"; | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
| 2016 | |||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 27 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | At present, the term "caste" has broadened in meaning, transcending religious affiliation. Caste and caste-like systems may be based on either a religious or a secular background and can be found within diverse religious and/or ethnic groups in all geographical regions, including within diaspora communities. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2016 | ||
Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status 2016, para. 20 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | The Special Rapporteur is concerned by information she has received regarding incidents of discrimination in caste-based and analogous systems of inherited status, including atrocities committed against individuals ascribed to the lowest strata by virtue of their caste status. During the course of her work, she regularly addressed the continued plight of such people through press statements, consultations, side events and thematic reports to the Human Rights Council. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2016 | ||
Minorities in situations of humanitarian crises 2016, para. 72 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | Minorities are often disproportionately affected by statelessness (see A/HRC/7/23, para. 20), as a result of discriminatory nationality and citizenship legislation which may deny or deprive the citizenship for some ethnic, linguistic, racial or religious groups, or because of discriminatory implementation of nationality laws on similar grounds. Minorities can also be at higher risk of statelessness as a result of lack of access to personal documentation. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2016 | ||
Minorities in situations of humanitarian crises 2016, para. 69 | Aug 19, 2019 | Paragraph | According to the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Guidelines, traditional claims of ethnic minority groups to land title and ownership in the absence of land title documents should be respected, including through providing legal advice or legal aid to such communities and advocating for the amendment of laws and procedures, where necessary, for the safeguard of their land rights. | Special Rapporteur on minority issues | Special Procedures' report |
|
| 2016 |