UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues
The (United Nations) Human Rights Council (before 2006 the Commission on Human Rights) is responsible for addressing the human rights situation in the UN member states in a comprehensive manner. Its work is supported by a number of special procedures, so it can also call in experts on specific topics or countries. In 2005 it made the decision to appoint an independent expert and, subsequently, a special rapporteur on minority issues. Its mandate has been extended several times. Its mission is to promote the application of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1992 and to disseminate good practices. It is meant to promote the realisation of minority rights, take into account the issue of gender equality, cooperate with other UN bodies, engage in dialogue with state governments, minorities and civil society, prepare and lead the annual UN Forum on Minority Issues. The Rapporteur reports annually to the Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly on his work and also prepares thematic recommendations. Rita Izsák of Hungary held this position between 2011 and 2017. Since 2018 her successor, the Canadian Fernand de Varennes has also organised regional forums on minority issues to prepare for the annual Forum on Minority Issues.