that adequate training and strict guidelines be provided substitute positive discipline systems for repressive and ineffective negative ones. Dr. Bamo Ayi, Professor, Central University of Nationalities, Beijing, China, made several suggestions with respect to the core principles, national responsibilities, and the role of local government. On the latter point, Dr. Ayi suggested that relevant provisions make clear principled rules for local bodies to provide educational service, proffering language in particular: “States should promote local governments to, in accordance with features and needs of minorities, provide effective educational service in a manner different in different areas, ethnic groups or kinds of education”. Professor Tahir on behalf of Mr. Ahmed Moddibo Mohammed of Nigeria addressed the topics of minority language instruction and materials, and difficulties for nomadic or semi-nomadic groups. Ms. Anna Frangoudaki, University of Athens, Center of Intercultural Research and Pedagogic Intervention, Greece, and Ms. Thalia Dragonas, Member of the Parliament, Coordinator of the Project on Muslim Minority in Thrace – Greece made a presentation regarding a successful project in Greece which aimed at reform of the education of the Muslim minority in Western Thrace, the development of new educational materials, teacher training and revision of the national policy. The Chairperson opened the Floor to the Speakers’ List 8. During the discussion on items IV and V, participants raised the following issues: elimination of prejudices on the basis of religion the training of teachers from minority communities barriers to education access, and in particular the school enrolments for members of nomadic or semi-nomadic groups and for children from rural areas; a special situation of internally displaced minority children and those who have been subjected to rape and other forms of violence was raised by participants the learning environment, including mother tongue education and minority language textbooks; a special mention was made of regional languages adult education the location of schools equal access to quality education for minorities the availability of adequate resources the implementation of a monitoring system the meaningful participation of minority groups cultural, religious and linguistic barriers the inclusion of sign language users as linguistic minorities. 8 The list of speakers, and when available the full text of their presentations, can be found on the Forum’s web site at: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/minority/oral_statements_forum_minority_2008.htm 12