A/HRC/13/23 link with the central Government can be strengthened by regional representation at the centre. There are successful examples of how territorial autonomy has defused tensions, actually strengthened the sense of inclusion and provided the basis for the preservation of minority communities. However, if not carefully designed, autonomous arrangements may lead to a further fragmentation of the State. Moreover, arrangements should be made to ensure the rights of smaller “minorities within minorities”, through power-sharing, cultural autonomy and devolution to local authorities. 86. Minorities may be given special procedural rights or vetoes in relation to decisions on matters of particular concern to the minority. For example, a minority may be able to veto proposed new legislation in specific areas, or a special majority may be required to pass it. Such special procedures may be confined to particular regions where the minority is concentrated. Where matters are of sufficient importance that stalemate cannot be permitted, there may be special arbitration procedures.40 87. Finally, at the international level, in addition to being involved in the implementation of bilateral treaties, it is crucial that persons belonging to minorities also be involved at all stages of the monitoring and implementation of international human rights instruments, and in particular those relevant for the protection of minority rights. It is also important that minority communities be consulted on and involved in supranational integration processes. F. Concluding remarks 88. Effective participation in decision-making processes, particularly in those which have an impact on minorities, is a precondition for the full and equal enjoyment of the human rights of persons belonging to them. There are at least two key lessons to be drawn. The first is the truly essential nature of the right to effective participation: the fulfilment of so many other fundamental human rights is both dependent on and a prerequisite for its fulfilment. The second lesson is that the effectiveness of the political participation of minorities must constantly be evaluated and at all levels of society, in order to ensure that it is real and meaningful. A full set of recommendations can be found in document A/HRC/13/25. 40 GE.10-10198 Frowein and Bank, p. 10; Reynolds 2007, p. 21; Ghai, pp. 13–14. 21