ACFC/31DOC(2008)001 iv. Reserved seats system 91. Arrangements involving reserved and/or shared seats for representatives of national minorities have in a number of cases proved to be a useful means to enhance participation of persons belonging to national minorities in decision-making. The provision of reserved seats, whether shared between various national minorities or designed for one group, is one of the ways in which the representation of persons belonging to national minorities can be ensured in elected bodies. 92. The ‘shared seats’ system is particularly adapted to the needs of numerically small minorities. For such an arrangement to have a significant impact on the participation of all the national minorities represented through the shared seat(s), it is important that the minorities concerned agree on a common strategy and shared goals to be reached through the representation in the electoral body at stake. Elected representatives occupying shared seats should take due care to represent the concerns of all persons belonging to national minorities in the constituency. A rotation of the representatives of the different national minorities may help create the sense of a shared seat. 93. In order to ensure that a guaranteed seat arrangement contributes substantially to effective participation, it is important that the minority representatives elected are effectively involved in decision-making processes. Moreover, they should have a real possibility to influence decisions taken by the elected body, including those not strictly related to national minorities. It is therefore important that they have speaking and voting rights in the elected body and that their role is not limited to a mere observer status.33 94. However, the Advisory Committee is of the opinion that the mere establishment of such arrangements does not automatically provide persons belonging to national minorities with a genuine and substantial influence in decision-making.34 v. Parliamentary practice 95. In those State Parties where there are special parliamentary committees to address minority issues, these bodies have, in a number of cases, helped take into account concerns of national minorities in decision-making processes. The possibility of using minority languages in these committees has proved particularly effective. Nonetheless, the importance of effective participation in other parliamentary committees also involved in aspects of minority protection should not be neglected. Co-operation across party lines within the parliamentary committees strengthens efforts conducive to mainstreaming minority issues into policies. 96. For the work of such committees to be effective, it is essential that appropriate attention be given to their recommendations, particularly when drafting or amending legislation concerning national minorities. In addition, regular dialogue should be 33 34 See 1st Opinion on Cyprus adopted on 6 April 2001, paragraph 41. See for example Opinion on Kosovo (UNMIK) adopted on 25 November 2006, paragraph 110. 26