A/HRC/FMI/2010/2 measures or affirmative action to address the effects of long-standing and entrenched discrimination on certain minority groups. 11. The principle of non-discrimination, which is complemented by the principle of equality, is crucial and forms the basis of all core human rights treaties. It applies to everyone in relation to all human rights and freedoms and it prohibits discrimination on the basis of a list of non-exhaustive categories such as sex, race, colour, religion, language, nationality and ethnicity. Many violations of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights have a basis in discrimination, racism and exclusion on the grounds of the ethnic, religious, national, or racial characteristics of a group. The full realization of the freedom from discrimination in the enjoyment of human rights is essential if minorities are to fully and meaningfully participate in society. 12. The Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities states that: “persons belonging to minorities have the right to participate effectively in cultural, religious, social, economic and public life … persons belonging to minorities have the right to participate effectively in decisions on the national and, where appropriate, regional level concerning the minority to which they belong or the regions in which they live, in a manner not incompatible with national legislation” (art. 2).Minorities should exercise their right to participate in all stages of the amendment, design and implementation of existing and future laws, policies and initiatives with a view to ensuring that these indeed lead to their effective and equal economic participation. IV. Issues for consideration 13. As mentioned above, the effective participation of minorities in economic life means the full enjoyment of all economic and social rights as stipulated in international human rights instruments, including relevant international instruments relating to labour rights. While acknowledging the importance of the right to education, the right to health and to an adequate standard of living as key components to ensure the right of minorities to effective economic participation, this Forum will specifically focus on such issues as those listed below, including the right to work and social security, and meaningful consultation/participation. A. Work and social security 14. The right to work is a fundamental right, recognized in several international legal instruments. It contributes to the survival of the individual and to that of his/her family, and insofar as work is freely chosen or accepted, to his/her development and recognition within the community.1 In addition to providing income, employment paves the way for personal development and broader social and economic inclusion for persons belonging to minorities. It is the main route out of poverty, is central to any efforts and programmes aimed at reducing poverty in any society and gives minorities a stake in lasting prosperity and progress within society. 1 4 See Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, general comment No. 18 (E/C.12/GC/18), referring to the preamble to ILO Convention No. 168, 1988: “the importance of work and productive employment in any society not only because of the resources which they create for the community, but also because of the income which they bring to workers, the social role which they confer and the feeling of self-esteem which workers derive from them”.