Societies throughout the world enjoy ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity. Ending discrimination against minorities requires us to protect and embrace diversity through the promotion and implementation of human rights standards. UN Member States took a major step in this direction in 1992 when they unanimously adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. The Declaration sets essential standards to ensure the rights of persons belonging to minorities and as such is a key reference for United Nations work. It offers guidance to States as they seek to manage diversity and ensure non-discrimination, and for minorities themselves, as they strive to achieve equality and participation. This booklet captures the essence of the Declaration, which is printed in full in this publication.