The role of States in protecting minority rights is paramount – the most
difficult situation arises where States are themselves may be complicit in the
loss of minority land or livelihoods, whether for political reasons or
economic ones. The role of solidarity groups and international action can be
crucial. Government and national private investors must respect the right of
minorities to choose their own priorities for development and ensure
transparency and prior informed consent when designing and implementing
development projects including resource extraction.
Post-conflict transitional justice particularly requires recognizing the
collective property and land rights of displaced populations and ensuring
legal aid, capacity building, resources and infrastructure, especially in
developing country contexts.
Labour rights have also been highlighted as a key component of equality.
However, minorities have tended not to benefit from fundamental labour
rights and freedom of association. Minorities are traditionally
under-represented in unionized professions. Work place discrimination
continues to be rampant and a number of speakers noted that differentials in
pay and promotions are not fully explained by education. Minority women
are doubly disadvantaged in this regard. Active policies against such
discrimination and effective implementation are essential.
From a human rights perspective, social protection is not a policy option
but a human rights obligation, especially for disadvantaged and vulnerable
groups. Conditional cash transfer programmes have become the policy of