A/HRC/4/9 page 12 economic disparities experienced by more than 284 minority groups globally, estimates that some 750 million persons belonging to minority groups face serious economic discrimination and disadvantage and 832 million face political exclusion.19 43. The Minorities at Risk data set finds a correlation between horizontal inequalities and conflict along ethnic, religious or linguistic identity lines. Such inequalities are a major factor motivating groups or leaders to mobilize for change. The persistence of inequalities and the growth in the inequality gap can be destabilizing factors, in particular where the Government is seen to be failing to address these issues (or causing them). Conflict prevention is one reason why monitoring poverty alleviation among persons belonging to minorities is crucial: if strategies are successful for some groups but not for minorities, inequalities will increase and so too may tension. Inclusive participation strategies for poverty reduction are proven and effective conflict prevention measures. 44. There is a strong economic case for supporting the inclusion of minorities. Minorities with high or average levels of education are often underemployed, limiting their opportunities to contribute to economic and social life of society. Minorities with poor levels of education represent a vastly underutilized human capacity. One study has shown the economic benefits that come from better use of existing skills and capacity of minorities and investment in decreasing skills and capacity gaps (e.g., through improving access to education). It concludes: “The economies of Bolivia, Brazil, Guatemala and Peru would potentially expand at least by 36.7, 12.8, 13.6 and 4.2 per cent respectively, as a result of ending the long-term social exclusion of Afro-descendant and indigenous groups.”20 Another study demonstrates that investing in Roma education in Hungary would bring economic and fiscal benefits of up to 70,000 euros per Roma student.21 45. The production capacity of minorities denied equal access to land and credit is also restricted. Addressing the health-care inequalities experienced by minorities can expand the national pool of healthy able workers to keep the economy growing. Where incomes of persons belonging to minorities expand, so does their consumption and thus the national (and international) economy benefits. Ethnic and religious diversity must not be seen as a hindrance to development: the hindrance comes where significant parts of the population lack the opportunity to contribute to development on an equal basis. 46. More research is urgently needed to uncover the extent of inequalities and poverty faced by minority groups and to provide a resource for shaping policies which recognize and respond to these inequalities. 19 Supra note 12, Human Development Report 2004, Feature 2.1 “The Minorities at Risk data set - quantifying cultural exclusion”, p. 32. 20 Jonas Zoninsein, The Economic Case for Combating Racial and Ethnic Exclusion in Latin American and Caribbean Countries (Inter-American Development Bank, May 2001): p. 2. 21 Roma Education Fund, Expected Long-Term Budgetary Benefits to Roma Education in Hungary, Working Paper No. 1, September 2006.