UNITED NATIONS INDEPENDENT EXPERT ON MINORITY ISSUES TO VISIT KAZAKHSTAN

3 June 2009


The United Nations Independent Expert on minority issues, Gay McDougall, will undertake a country visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan from 6 to 15 July 2009, at the invitation of the Government.

The Independent Expert will consult with the senior Government officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations, community members, academics, and others working in the field of minority issues, social inclusion, and the promotion of equality and non-discrimination.

The visit offers an opportunity to consult on legislation, policy and practice relating to minority communities and a wide variety of issues relevant to diverse communities in Kazakhstan. The Independent Expert’s visit will include travel to Astana, Almaty and surrounding regions.

Following her visit, the Independent Expert will present a report containing her findings and recommendations to the United Nations Human Rights Council in March 2010.

Ms. McDougall (United States) was appointed as the first holder of the post of United Nations Independent Expert on minority issues in July 2005. The mandate of the Independent Expert was established to promote implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities, and to identify challenges as well as successful practices in regard to minority issues.


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For use of information media; not an official record