communities, such as women, for example – are often at an even higher risk of exclusion from social and economic life. International instruments for the protection of national minorities are clear in calling for measures promoting full and effective equality between persons belonging to national minorities and those belonging to majorities in all areas of economic and social life.75 Based on the collection and analysis of reliable data to identify inequalities affecting persons belonging to national minorities,76 States can take various approaches to formulate policies to reduce inequalities. Which approach, or combination of approaches, is most suitable will vary depending on the context. The choice of approach should be assessed in consultation with national minorities and tailored to address the specific circumstances and needs of different individuals within national minorities. Possible approaches include: − Targeted policies benefitting persons belonging to national minorities, such as establishing quotas for the allocation of jobs, reserving places in educational institutions or introducing measures to improve access to health care. − General policies, applied across the whole of society, which will have a particularly positive effect on national minorities due to their geographic isolation, concentration in certain regions, comparatively lower level of income or other relevant factors. Examples of such measures include progressive taxation, resources for legal aid and targeted regional development. − Integration policies promoting co-operation between persons belonging to national minorities and persons belonging to the majority. Examples include offering tax or other incentives for joint economic activities or for increasing diversity in employment, support for multicultural and multilingual schools, and efforts to facilitate inclusive public dialogue about economic and social policies. Regardless of the type of approach or combination of approaches that decision-makers take in formulating and implementing policies to reduce social and economic inequalities, it is important that they regularly analyse, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of such measures in co-operation with persons belonging to national minorities. Regular and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation contribute to accountability and transparency, facilitate 75 76 See: FCNM, article 4(2). The Ljubljana Guidelines also call for formulating and implementing “policies in relevant areas, such as education and training, employment, health care, housing and access to public goods and services, so that these promote socio‑economic inclusion in a comprehensive manner.” (Guideline 40). See also: Recommendation 14 in this document. Recommendations on the Effective Participation of National Minorities in Social and Economic Life 31