UN Independent Expert on minority issues commences visit to Greece

08 September 2008

Geneva: At the invitation of the Government Greece, the United Nations Independent Expert on minority issues, Ms. Gay McDougall, will undertake a country visit to Greece from 08 to 16 September 2008,

The Independent Expert will consult with the senior Government officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations, with community members, academics, and others working in the field of minority issues, social inclusion, and to promote equality, anti-racism and non-discrimination. The Independent Expert will visit Athens and will also travel to the regions of Western Thrace and Macedonia in northern Greece.

Following her visit, the Independent Expert will present a report containing her findings and recommendations to the Human Rights Council in March 2009.

The mandate of the Independent Expert was established in 2005 to promote implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities.

For more information about the role and function of the Independent Expert, please visit: http://www.ohchr.org/english/issues/minorities/expert/index.html