There are groups of people all around the world who differ from the majority in many aspects, including culture, history, language, religion, and roots (including cultural identification and descent). IMADR defines “minorities” as those whose civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights are not being adequately protected, and groups and members of groups whose rights have been taken away from them. Minorities are not simply groups with few members, nor are they limited to just ethnic, religious, or linguistic minorities. We want to emphasise, in a broad sense, that minorities are those that are in some way oppressed or marginalized within society.
The human rights of minorities are defined in United Nations' human rights conventions. However, in recent years, we find ourselves moving backwards, despite this international consensus regarding human rights and multiculturalism. Particularly after 9/11, people who are considered "different" are being subject to harsh controls and exclusionary systems, all in name of peace, security, and “counter-terrorism.”
IMADR focuses on recognizing the existence of and protecting the rights of minorities, working on all levels - grassroots, national and international - towards the realization of a true multicultural society. IMADR works with minority groups and partner organizations from all over the world to help the voices of minorities reach not only their own governments, but the international community at large, so that a system can be created whereby those who have been discriminated against can receive redress, and are protected from it happening again.
