This is an issue paper presented to the Centre for Human Rights, United Nations Office in Geneva, in response to the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights’ note verbale of 26 June 1996 inviting nongovernmental organizations to comment on the issues raised in the final report submitted to the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities by its Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment, Ms. Fatma Zohra Ksentini.