HRC/FMI/2009/2 Page 3 9. In the framework of the themes listed below, the Forum will consider current practices and ways to increase the effective participation of minorities in policy- and decision-making processes and institutions: • • • National and local parliaments; “Minority” parliaments, advisory or consultative bodies; Central and local governments/executive bodies at the national and local levels. Participation and discrimination: the impact of discrimination on the political participation of minorities; to what extent is the effective participation of minorities in political processes and institutions facilitated by the acceptance by society of minority inclusion? Meaningful representation/representation and empowerment: how is it possible to ensure an effective role by minorities in policy- and decision-making? Obstacles to the political participation of minorities: discriminatory denial of citizenship; right to vote, language requirements to register to vote, run for elections or hold public offices; location of polling places; availability of voter education in minority languages; possible reluctance of minority communities to participate in public affairs. Impact of different electoral systems: what is the impact of electoral laws and electoral systems? Is there an ideal or, at least, more effective electoral system: proportional representation (with or without a threshold, with the possibility of open lists or not)/majority or first-past-the-post electoral systems? Should the geographical concentration (or lack of it) of the minorities in the country be considered? Should the delimitation of electoral districts or precincts impact the representation of minorities? Possible institutions/bodies which could address obstacles to the participation of minorities in political life: a minorities ombudsperson or dedicated branch on minorities in the national human rights institution; a dedicated ministry; a dedicated parliamentary committee; parliamentary outreach to minority communities; the media. Role of political parties: How to ensure adequate representation in mainstream political parties? Party outreach to minority communities? Minority-based political parties: promoted/authorized/forbidden? Effective or divisive? Role of minority groups: minority political parties/associations/lobby organizations; perceptions of the impact of participation in national institutions; relations between minority representatives and their constituents. Veto rights on policies and decisions on issues affecting minorities: in the affirmative, which mechanism/institution should receive the right of veto? Quotas, reserved seats or other mechanisms ensuring representation of minorities: reserved seats in parliament; minority parliaments/tribunals/councils or other advisory bodies.