This Guide offers information related to norms and mechanisms developed to protect the rights of persons belonging to national, ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities. It includes detailed information about procedures and forums in which minority issues may be raised within the United Nations system and in regional systems. By focusing on the work related to minorities and by also covering selected specialized agencies and regional mechanisms, the Guide complements information in Working with the United Nations Human Rights Programme: A Handbook for Civil Society (OHCHR, 2008), which provides practical guidance on the United Nations human rights mechanisms in general. It is hoped that this Guide will be useful in assisting minority advocates to make full and effective use of existing international mechanisms and, ultimately, to promote and protect the rights guaranteed under international instruments.