x Encourage knowledge of the history, traditions, language and culture of minorities existing within their territory and ensure that members of such minorities have adequate opportunities to gain knowledge of the society as a whole (art. 4 (4)); x Allow their participation in economic progress and development (art. 4 (5)); x Consider the legitimate interests of minorities in developing and implementing national policies and programmes, and international programmes of cooperation and assistance (art. 5); x Cooperate with other States on questions relating to minorities, including exchanging information and experiences, to promote mutual understanding and confidence (art. 6); x Promote respect for the rights set forth in the Declaration (art. 7); x Fulfil the obligations and commitments States have assumed under international treaties and agreements to which they are parties. Finally, the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system shall also contribute to the realization of the rights set forth in the Declaration (art. 9). In 2005, the Working Group on Minorities adopted  a commentary intended to guide the understanding and application of the United Nations Minorities Declaration.11 The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and, in particular, article 27 inspired the contents of the United Nations Minorities Declaration. It states that: In those States in which ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities exist, persons belonging to such minorities shall not be denied the right, in community with the other members of their group, to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practise their own religion, or to use their own language. This article protects the rights of persons belonging to minorities to their national, ethnic, religious or linguistic identity, or a combination thereof, and to preserve the characteristics which they wish to maintain and develop. Although it refers to the rights of minorities in those States in which they exist, its applicability is not subject to official recognition of a minority by a State. States that have ratified the Covenant are obliged to ensure that 11 See chap. I, sect. C, above. In addition, the Working Group considered the Minority Profile and Matrix, which provides a checklist of issues and measures based on the provisions and principles contained in the United Nations Minorities Declaration and the Commentary (E/CN.4/Sub.2/AC.5/2006/3). 15