A/HRC/7/23/Add.2 page 20 opportunities. However, anti-discrimination organizations noted a tendency for members of minority groups to be directed towards vocational courses rather than studies required for university and professional preparation. 66. Government and NGO representatives highlighted to the independent expert the continuing problem of exclusion from access to France’s “elite” schools and universities, traditionally the means of entry to the civil service in France. The independent expert welcomed plans to enhance pre-training facilities in some schools, noted by the Minister Fadela Amara, and initiatives to create partnerships between schools in difficult areas and elite schools, to help facilitate access for those from minority communities. 67. Gypsy/Traveller communities face particular challenges in regard to the education of their children as a result of their ambulatory lifestyles, resulting in particularly low participation levels and high dropout rates. Community representatives noted worrying trends of Gypsy/Traveller children being placed in schools or classes for those with learning impediments without evidence of impaired learning abilities. Circular No. 2002-101 of 25 April 2002 provides guidelines on the “Schooling of Traveller Children and Non-Sedentary Families”, which aim to increase participation in the education system; however, Gypsy and Traveller representatives complain that these remain largely unimplemented. 68. Particular issues face minority girls in the sphere of education. During consultations, the issue of the wearing of the veil by Muslim girl students and the wider debate regarding religious symbols in French schools was frequently discussed. The independent expert urges that such debates be conducted in an open and inclusive manner and with the rights and interests of the child to the fore, including within Muslim communities themselves. She considers that caution must be exercised in legislation and policy that, irrespective of neutral intent, impact disproportionately on those faiths for which external, visible symbols or clothing are considered important tenets of faith, including Muslims, Orthodox Jews and Sikhs. D. Comparisons between Marseilles and Paris 69. Discrimination in housing, policing, and unemployment, together with a lack of social and geographical mobility are important contributing factors to social unrest. The independent expert noted that Marseilles was relatively unaffected during the urban upheavals of 2005. She visited Marseilles to understand the particular circumstances and dynamics that contributed to its stability, meeting with senior government representatives, community groups and local residents, and with the innovative “Marseilles Hope” collective of religious leaders. 70. Consultations revealed that the limited nature of disturbances in Marseilles can be attributed to various factors, including a closer proximity between the housing for minorities and the city centre, which countered feelings of isolation; more community-sensitive policing; stronger family and social cohesion; more meaningful dialogue between communities and religious leaders and between communities and local authorities; relatively greater employment opportunities for those from minority groups; an explicit recognition and celebration of the diverse cultures and communities by local authorities; and the historical and geographical factors that have contributed to Marseilles’ development as a multicultural city.