The UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Fernand de Varennes, will visit Paraguay from 14 to 25 November 2022.
The expert will be looking at legislation, programmes, policies and practices that affect people belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, including effective political participation, education, access to justice and administration of criminal justice. De Varennes will also analyse measures to addresshate crimes and hate speech, particularly in social media, targeting minorities.
“I am looking forward to gaining first-hand insight and better understanding the issues related to minority groups in Paraguay, including through meetings with members of minorities,” he said.
“I also aim to identify good practices as well as areas for improvement in Paraguay’s efforts to ensure full implementation of its international human rights commitments relevant to minorities.”
The Special Rapporteur will travel to Asunción, Filadelfia, Emboscada y San Lorenzo. He will meet government officials at the national, departmental and municipal levels, representatives of civil society and members of minorities, including of the Afro-descent and deaf communities.
At the end of his visit, on 25 November, de Varennes will share his preliminary findings and recommendations at a press release conference at the Hotel Asunción Guarani, Oliva esquina Independencia Nacional, Asunción, at 11:00 local time. Access will be strictly limited to journalists.
The Special Rapporteur will present a comprehensive report of his visit to a forthcoming session of the UN Human Rights Council.