A/72/165 mechanisms; limited recognition of history and lack of measures to address long standing prejudices and racism; and insufficient funding and bureaucratic obstacles. The Special Rapporteur urges all relevant stakeholders to think outside the “poverty paradigm” and incorporate all aspects of minority rights into strategies that address Roma disadvantage, including the protection and promotion of Roma identity, language and culture and the guarantee of dignity and equality. The protection and promotion of the rights of Roma should be prioritized on the political agenda in order to demonstrate a serious political commitment to combating the causes and consequences of anti-Gypsyism and discrimination. 6. 2016: Minorities and discrimination based on caste and analogous systems of inherited status (A/HRC/31/56) 38. The Special Rapporteur is concerned by information that she has received regarding incidents of discrimination in caste-based and analogous systems of inherited status. In her report, she emphasizes that caste -based discrimination is a global phenomenon, estimated to affect more than a quarter of a billion people across the globe, including in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Pacific region and in diaspora communities. This serious human rights violation infringes upon the basic principles of universal human dignity and equality, as it differentiates between “inferior” and “superior” categories of individuals because of their inherited caste status. It also leads to extreme exclusion and dehumanization of caste -affected communities, who are often among the most disadvantaged populations, experience the worst socioeconomic conditions and are deprived of or severely restricted in the enjoyment of their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. 39. In her report, the Special Rapporteur highlights some common characteristics of caste and analogous systems of inherited status, including their hereditary nature and their connection with untouchability practices and, in turn, enforced endogamy, which can mean the prohibition of inter-caste interactions, including marriage and the sharing of goods or services. She notes with concern the use of violence against individuals and communities of caste-affected groups, the obstacles to participation in public elections, general political marginalization, con finement to certain menial occupations, forced and bonded labour, segregated colonies or informal settlements, restricted access to drinking water and sanitation facilities, denial of or restrictions on health-care services, considerable disparities in educational opportunities and blockage from religious sites. The report includes a focus on women from disadvantaged castes, who are often the victims of caste-based violence, in particular sexual violence, trafficking, early and/or forced marriage, bonded labour and harmful cultural practices. 40. States should adopt specific legislation prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of caste or analogous systems, fully implement legal provisions, including appropriate penalties for acts of caste-based discrimination, and put in place special measures in specific areas. Discrimination based on caste and analogous systems is deeply embedded in interpersonal and communal relationships in caste -affected countries. Therefore, overcoming it will require not only legal and political responses, but also community-based approaches aimed at changing the mindsets of individuals and the collective conscience of local communities. In this regard, formal and informal community education and open dialogue from an early age are essential elements to ensure that the principles of human dignity and equality generally are accepted and respected. 10/22 17-12138