A/58/255 promotion of minority rights is essential for the enhancement of democracy in the ASEAN countries, and consider the establishment at the subregional or country levels of early warning systems for the prevention of violent conflict, emphasizing the notable impact of conflict on the minority and indigenous communities of the region. 7. Furthermore, at its ninth session, in May 2003, the Working Group on Minorities discussed regional approaches for the implementation of the Declaration on Minorities, including the preparation of regional principles or guidelines as tools to strengthening the implementation of international standards on minority protection at regional level. Attention was also drawn to the importance of strengthening cooperation with existing regional mechanisms, and for the establishment of regional mechanisms, where they do not exist, to encourage dialogue among and between Governments and minority groups. In this regard, mention was made of the important advances achieved in Europe through the work of the Office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), particularly through the OSCE Office’s use of quiet diplomacy regarding minority concerns and dialogues with Governments to solve problems. They also made reference to thematic guidelines or recommendations produced under the auspices of the OSCE Office on education, language and participation matters as they relate to strengthening standards for minorities. At its seventh session, in 2001, the Working Group noted with appreciation the work done by the High Commissioner on National Minorities of OSCE and recommended that the other regional organizations explore the possibility of establishing similar institutions. 8. Concerning the implementation of numerous recommendations adopted in regional seminars and previous sessions of the Working Group, it was highlighted that these recommendations needed to be translated into reality and minorities needed to be provided with effective remedies. In this regard, particular reference was made to the important role of national courts and nationals and human rights institutions. 9. An important part of the national system of protection and promotion of human rights, the role of national institutions, established under the Paris Principles, was highlighted. Opinions were also expressed concerning the strong protection mandates of the newer generation of institutions, which can deal with remedial measures through the complaint handling and quasi-juridiciary functions. Representatives of national institutions participated in meetings on minority issues organized by the Working Group and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. They focused on the role national institutions could play as early warning mechanisms for conflict prevention that could organize public hearings on minority issues with communities and groups concerned and strengthen the exchange of information with regional and international bodies by providing information on legislations and cases from the highest-level courts relating to minority rights. Minority participants in the ninth session of the Working Group noted with great interest the expertise and role of national institutions in minority protection, and expressed their view that the perceived independence of and trust in such institutions were important in guaranteeing their effective function. 5