A delegation from the Assyrian Network for Human Rights said it would be participating in the annual session of the Forum on Minority Issues on 24 and 25 November in Geneva. Over 500 participants, including international specialists on minority issues and representatives from States and minority communities from all regions, will gather in Geneva to discuss existing measures and seek new initiatives to prevent and respond to violence and atrocity crimes targeted against minorities worldwide. “Minorities continue to face violence or mass atrocities, as numerous situations show globally,” said the United Nations Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Rita Izsák, announcing the seventh UN Forum on Minority Issues. “This is not a matter of history but a present day reality that requires national and international action to prevent or end violence, which is often perpetrated with complete impunity,” she warned. The Forum will focus on some of the key issues of global concern facing minorities: understanding the root causes of violence and atrocity crimes against minorities; improving the prevention of violence and atrocities; measures for resolution, protection and security after the violence has broken out; and key actors and activities to promote reconciliation, peace building and managing of diversity in post-violence situations. The Assyrian Network for Human Rights is going to hold official meetings on the sidelines of the forum, and will also release its first report on the kidnappings that have lately affected Christians in Syria. (Source: Syrian Coalition + Assyrian Network for Human Rights)
