A/58/255 conflict prevention and development. With the papers prepared for the Working Group and its regional seminars, it is acknowledged that the Working Group has contributed to raising awareness of the complexity of historical developments and current socio-economic interrelationships between different communities in a specific region. V. Good practices in the fields of education and the effective participation of minorities in decision-making processes 21. The Working Group on Minorities, at its eighth and ninth sessions, continued its discussion on the theme of the participation of minorities in public life. While issues of autonomy and integration with respect to minority situations framed the discussion, attention focused on the protection of their identity and cultures, measures to ensure their effective participation in governance and the promotion of their social and economic well-being and development. In this connection, choice and balance are required between measures designed to promote territorial or functional autonomy for minorities and those designed to promote more effective recognition, representation and integration in a multi-ethnic environment. It was noted that the approach adopted on this broad level had important implications for national policies on governmental structures, equality and non-discrimination, language policy, educational provisions, residential planning and development policies. Moreover, approaches oriented towards autonomy or integration can be considered as complementary rather than exclusive, given the fact that in many cases a combination of measures to promote autonomy at the local level and measures to promoting integration at the national level may be preferred by minorities themselves. 22. To assist the Working Group in clarifying various policy choices, an independent study was carried out and presented at the ninth session of the Working Group (see E/CN.4/Sub.2/AC.5/2003/WP.1). It was based on the analysis of several working papers submitted with a view to drawing together some of the issues which have been raised during recent sessions for their reflection in the preparation of guidelines or code of conduct to be recommended to Governments, regional mechanisms, civil society and all the other regional and national actors involved in minority protection. The latter is an initiative being actively considered by the Working Group. The papers submitted are available on the web site of the Office of the High Commissioner at http://www.unhchr.ch/minorities/ninth.htm. The study aimed at identifying the current socio-economic situation of minorities, their numerical and geographical distribution as well as possible measures to reduce any associated potential for conflict or tension in regions and subregions. The discussion on the paper covered general issues, such as different forms of autonomy and approaches to legislation and practice in particular countries, and addressed problems raised during regional seminars held in Gaborone, La Ceiba, and more recently Chiang Mai. 23. In addition, during sessions of the Working Group and regional seminars, representatives of some autonomous regions of different countries shared their views and experiences concerning the process of designing and implementing autonomy measures. Participants expressed the view that autonomy could be a good practice by which minorities would be able to fully participate in decision-making 9