A/HRC/20/33 the view of his predecessor that political leaders and their parties need to promote the participation and representation of groups that are vulnerable to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in the decision-making process in national governments, parties, parliaments and civil society in general, taking into consideration their contribution to reinforcing the anti-discrimination perspective in political and social life with a view to strengthening democracy. 7 In this regard, the Special Rapporteur would like to underline that it is important to remove legal obstacles and eliminate discriminatory practices that hamper some specific groups of individuals from fully participating in the public and political life of the countries they live in. This includes for instance legal and practical obstacles such as discriminatory regulations regarding voter registration, the lack of identification documents, administrative and financial barriers, and discrimination in the access to citizenship. Furthermore, appropriate measures should be taken to eliminate persisting negative stereotypes, assuming that some groups of individuals including minorities have no interest in politics or do not have the capacity to engage, as such prejudices contribute to their political and social exclusion. B. Promoting equality of opportunity in social and economic areas and eradicating poverty 12. The Special Rapporteur is convinced that there is a strong correlation between socioeconomic inequality and racial discrimination and that these reinforce each other. Additionally, it is important to note that social and economic exclusion and disparities foster racial discrimination already experienced by the victims. 13. Policies and legislation to address discrimination in the areas of economic, social and cultural rights are crucial. Therefore measures to prevent racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance should also focus on the promotion of equality in the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. 14. As highlighted by the Independent Expert on minority issues8 minorities continue to be excluded from economic life. Indeed the inequality and the socio-economic vulnerability of minorities are entrenched historically and continue to create conditions conducive to discrimination. Furthermore, unequal distribution of resources and infrastructure to the disadvantage of minority groups reinforces their exclusion and prevents them from exercising their economic and social rights. 15. Poverty, economic and social exclusion constitute both causes and effects of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. As stated in the outcome document of the Durban Review Conference, poverty, underdevelopment, marginalization, social exclusion and economic disparities are closely associated with racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and contribute to the persistence of racist attitudes and practices which in turn generate more poverty.9 It should be noted that the previous Special Rapporteur devoted attention and work to elucidating the link between poverty and racism. He found that the intersection between race and poverty was a key dimension to the struggle against racism.10 This link was further demonstrated by the then Special Rapporteur while addressing racism and racial discrimination against Roma and discrimination based on work and descent, including discrimination based on caste and 7 8 9 10 6 A/HRC/5/10, para. 8. A/65/287. Outcome document of the Durban Review Conference, para. 8. A/HRC/11/36, para. 16-39.