4 PREFACE all community initiatives must be framed in terms of human rights. But if campaigners understand the economic, social and cultural rights dimensions of their struggle, they can strategically draw upon these rights, when they wish, to reinforce their campaigns. Economic, social and cultural rights have reached a critical stage in their development. If lofty statements are to be turned into practical policies, programmes and projects, the human rights community has to develop new skills and techniques. The well-established human rights methods – ‘naming and shaming’, letter-writing campaigns, test cases, etc. – are still needed. But the realization of economic, social and cultural rights demands the development of additional skills, techniques and methods of work. This signals a major contribution that minority and indigenous peoples’ organizations can make to economic, social and cultural rights. Over the years, these organizations have developed sophisticated skills to promote their campaigns, and advocacy and policy initiatives. Those committed to economic, social and cultural rights can learn from this wealth of experience. In short, while economic, social and cultural rights can empower minorities and indigenous peoples, minorities and indigenous peoples have an indispensable contribution to make to the development of economic, social and cultural rights. Professor Paul Hunt Human Rights Centre University of Essex England