among all peoples, ethnic, national and religious groups and persons of indigenous origin" (29 (1) (d). Minority girls face unique challenges, made by complex intersecting forms of discrimination based on ethnicity, restrictive traditional roles for women and in most cases, endemic poverty. Girls from minority groups also often live in remote geographic neglected locations generally by government social services and requiring travel to great distances to the nearest school, thereby multiplying the risks to their personal security. The serious shortage of information about these issues means that the day-to-day reality faced by minority girls remains hidden and is a severe barrier to addressing their situation. UNICEFs field presence in over 150 countries gives us a unique opportunity and obligation to support a number of initiatives benefitting women and girls, particularly in the field of education. Basic Education and Gender Equality is one of the five Focus Areas of the organisation's Medium Term Strategic Plan (2006-2013) with the objective of realizing the right to education for every boy and girl. I would like to share with the Forum a few examples from the field, and more specifically from our work with and for Roma girls in the CEECIS region where UNICEF chairs the inter-agency process on Roma inclusion. In an effort to reduce gender-based and other disparities and to ensure increased access, participation, and completion of quality basic education, UNICEF Uganda has developed Girls' Education Movement (GEM) clubs in Lango communities, providing supportive forums for both boys and girls to discuss their concerns. These include measures which could prevent many girls, from dropping out, while dealing with barriers to girls' education among many minority communities The Government of India has committed itself under the eleventh Five-Year Plan (2008-12) to inclusive delivery of public services to meet the MDGs. In light of this the United Nations Development 'Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for the same period outlines its central goal as: 'promoting social, economic and political inclusion for the most disadvantaged, especially women and girls'. UNICEF cooperates actively with the