Institutional Developments in the United Nations and at the Regional Level

Examines the challenges international organizations face in relation to protecting minority groups & indigenous peoples & considers whether international institutions are capable of addressing them. An overview of the functions of existing institutions describes minority rights developments within the UN, especially the establishment of the Commission on Human Rights & the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination & Protection of Minorities. Attention is also given to the identification of indigenous peoples as a category in need of special protection & the appointment of both an Independent Expert on Minority Issues & a Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide. Developments within regional organizations like the European Union, the African Commission on Human & People's Rights, the Inter-American Commission, the Arab Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, & the Organization of Islamic Conference are highlighted. Current challenges facing international institutions are identified & evaluated in terms of either their effectiveness or how they hinder the protection of minority groups & indigenous peoples. J. Lindroth