A/67/293 processes. Where dedicated institutions or bodies are created, financial resources must be sufficient to enable them to conduct the full range of mandated activities; and separate budget lines should be provided and guaranteed. Where the mandates of existing human rights bodies are enlarged to incorporate minority issues, their capacity, resources and staffing should also be enhanced. 53. A recent trend towards integration of specialized minority and ethnic equality bodies into wider human rights institutions has been identified in the European context. Funding issues, rather than real or perceived lack of need, may contribute to decisions to abolish or merge institutions, particularly in the context of the current global financial crisis. However, economic conditions should not be considered a valid reason to reduce necessary attention to minority issues. Merger of institutions should not weaken the required institutional attention and resources dedicated to minority issues or limit their independence or the scope of their work. 54. While institutional attention to minority issues has financial implications, it can still be cost-effective, particularly where early implementation of minority rights helps to avert tensions among communities. Dedicated programmes can improve minority access to education, training and employment, with benefits to minorities and States resulting from the enhanced participation of minorities in economic life. Studies demonstrate the untapped economic potential within marginalized minorities and that integration is not only a moral and human rights obligation but an economic necessity. 23 Where financial constraints exist, low-cost measures include recruitment of minority experts and consultative methodologies, which can significantly strengthen institutional expertise. VII. National institutional practices for the protection of minority rights 55. Governments have the primary responsibility for implementing minority rights. Establishing a Government body, agency, department or equivalent institution with dedicated attention to minority issues provides an institutional focus for government activities and offers the potential for proactive policy and programme initiatives and targeted approaches to the challenges involving minorities. It demonstrates governmental commitment to minority rights and should ensure that minority issues are consistently integrated into governmental policies and, essentially, mainstreamed throughout governmental bodies. Considered briefly below are some forms of institutional attention to minority issues adopted by Governments at the national level. A. Ministries, government departments and related bodies 56. Some States have established dedicated governmental bodies, including ministries or Government departments, on minority issues. Such bodies often have primary responsibility for designing, directing and leading government policy on __________________ 23 18 See the policy note entitled “Roma inclusion: an economic opportunity for Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Romania and Serbia” (World Bank, Human Development Sector Unit, 30 September 2010). Available from http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTROMA/ Resources/Policy_Note.pdf. 12-45950