evidence-based policy adjustments and improve the overall effectiveness of policies in meeting their objectives. 9. State authorities should prioritize specific measures to improve the standard of living of persons belonging to national minorities, with the aim of reducing existing inequalities between and within communities. Reducing inequalities between different groups and within communities contributes to social cohesion in multi-ethnic societies and benefits the whole society. In this respect, improving the living conditions of national minorities to reduce inequalities should be a priority for policymakers. The measures instituted to this end should acknowledge that different persons belonging to national minorities find themselves in different social and economic situations, and measures should therefore address the specific needs of each group and internal diversity within groups. Women and youth should receive special consideration within the measures instituted. To raise the standard of living of national minorities, States should formulate sectoral policies, based on reliable disaggregated data about the living conditions of minorities and majorities, to address the specific areas where social and economic inequalities occur, such as housing standards, health care, employment or education. States should also recognize the interlinkages of inequalities across policy sectors and take this into account in policymaking. For example, poor housing standards have a knock-on effect on health status and are correlated with poor educational outcomes. Single-sectoral policies in isolation cannot raise minorities’ standard of living and thus undo social and economic inequalities. A holistic approach across multiple policy areas, in conjunction with anti-discrimination legislation, will likely be more effective in this respect. 32 Recommendations on the Effective Participation of National Minorities in Social and Economic Life