A/50/514 English Page 8 25. In paragraph 2 of its resolution 1994/4, the Subcommission requested the Secretary-General to invite Governments and competent intergovernmental and non-governmental bodies to submit their comments on the recommendations contained in addendum 4 to the final report presented by Mr. Asbjørn Eide on possible ways and means of facilitating the peaceful and constructive solution of problems involving minorities (E/CN.4/Sub.2/1993/34/Add.1-4), and to make the comments available at the forty-seventh session of the Subcommission. 26. In compliance with this request, the Secretary-General prepared a report (E/CN.4/Sub.2/1995/33 and Add.1-2) which had relevance for the promotion of the Declaration. While examining what could be done on a national level to promote ethnic accommodation and prevent ethnic conflict, education, language and cultural policy and practice were considered. In particular, it was pointed out that education policy had a potentially great impact on the development of a sense of mutual respect and civic identity among people. 27. The report also dealt with a fairly wide spectrum of economic, political and social policies which had a considerable impact on ethnic relations. The view was expressed that countries that were successful in achieving rapid and broad-based growth tended to find it easier to accommodate the material claims and aspirations of various ethnic groups. However, rising prosperity might also intensify ethnic competition or harm certain groups. On the other hand, policies that contributed to economic stagnation and decline, thus intensifying poverty and insecurity, were likely to exacerbate ethnic tensions and provided fertile ground for those wishing to exploit such tensions. The distribution of resources, in addition to the absolute increase or decrease in prosperity, was a key factor in the rise of discontent. Strategies that increased economic inequalities, especially if they coincided with ethnic divisions, marginalized certain groups and exacerbated ethnic discrimination and tension. It also pointed out that mature modern democracies must take into account social pluralism and, therefore, seek a participatory and consensual character. In such a system, majority rule was mitigated by the minority groups’ right of access to public decision-making, coalition structures of government, overrepresentation of minorities within State institutions, veto powers to protect vital minority and other group interests, and a spirit of compromise. A non-monolithic conception of the people was a precondition for the enjoyment of fair opportunities by minority groups in this idea of government. C. United Nations Centre for Human Rights 28. The Centre for Human Rights has continued to assist the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Commission and the Subcommission in the effective promotion of the Declaration. In addition, it began to service the above-mentioned working group on minorities. The Centre also carries out research and studies in this field, assists in the preparation of the reports of the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and special rapporteurs. It also administers the programme of advisory services and technical assistance relating to the promotion of the Declaration as requested by the General Assembly in its resolution 49/192. /...