A/58/255 processes on matters affecting them. However, they also stressed the importance of effective consultations with and the participation of concerned communities or groups prior to the adoption of any autonomy plan so that all members of community or groups may be duly consulted and included in such processes. With regard to integration, participants stated that, when minorities lived in a multi-ethnic environment, measures for their integration should be applied in accordance with international human rights standards relevant to minority protection, and should guarantee equal access to and effective participation of all members of society in all aspects of public life. 24. The Working Group supported the holding of an international seminar on autonomist and integrationist approaches to minority protection organized by the Danish Center for Human Rights in Copenhagen on 3 and 4 April 2002. The point was made by participants that in many circumstances, there is likely to be a need for a combination of measures for both integration and autonomy. Moreover, resource and budget allocation and administrative support should be adequately provided so as to ensure that measures for autonomy can be effectively implemented. 25. The issue of education was extensively debated at the above-mentioned regional seminars in relation to the participation of minorities in development. Participants emphasized the significance of respecting the cultures and histories of minorities and recognizing the contribution of minorities in the process of building modern States. One of the recommendations in this regard was to review current educational curricula so that it provided learning on the values, histories, languages and cultures of minorities, thereby contributing to mutual understanding between and among minorities and majority. For many minorities, bilingual education and education in their mother tongue was fundamental for the protection and promotion of their identities. A recommendation was made during these seminars for Governments and international development agencies to include the training of minority teachers and employing personnel with local and minority knowledge to design and implement their development plans. 26. Concerning media coverage on minority issues and broadcasting in minority languages, interest from minorities in using media as means to advocate for the protection and promotion of their rights has been advancing. Participants in the La Ceiba and Chiang Mai seminars expressed concerns relating to the stigmatization and stereotyping of minority cultures in some mainstream media, and requested that minority-run media be encouraged. To this end, they recommended that the media highlight positive sides of minority issues so as to contribute to mutual understanding between minorities and majorities. They also encouraged the dissemination of information in minority languages, where possible, in order to raise the profile of disadvantaged and encourage public interest in minority issues. VI. Conclusions 27. Acceptance is growing that measures to address the recognition of minorities and their effective participation in public life and to mainstream minority rights in development are essential for conflict prevention, political stability and social justice. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is supporting the Working Group’s regional approach to minority issues by organizing subregional meetings. It is taking 10