DUSHANBE, October 18, 2013, Asia-Plus -- Officials and representatives of media and civil society from Central Asia’s have discussed issues related to protection of rights of ethnic minorities.

Regional Seminar on Minority Rights: Media, Education, and Participation in Social Life took place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on October 17-18.

Organized by the High Commissioner for Human Rights Regional Office for Central Asia, the seminar was aimed at drawing the public’s attention to problems facing ethnic minorities in the Central Asian region.

International experts reportedly familiarized the seminar participants with international standards concerning minorities.

Experts and representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) agreed that the issue of protection of rights of ethnic minorities requires more attention.  They noted that the region should take efforts to develop tolerant attitude of native population to people of other nationalities and overcome ethnic disagreements and conflicts.