Guidance Note of the Secretary-General on Racial Discrimination and Protection of Minorities  •  7 the factors leading to a deterioration in their living conditions, poverty, violence, multiple forms of discrimination, and the limitation or denial of their human rights”. Women and girls belonging to minorities often face unique challenges and multiple or intersecting forms of discrimination emanating from their gender and status as persons belonging to minorities. 16. A gender perspective that takes into account these women’s and men’s issues and different life experiences and multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination is critical in addressing racial discrimination, minority rights and the situation of minority women and girls. In line with the recommendations of the UN Forum on Minority Issues,8 a gender perspective should apply to all analysis and actions. The UN system should ensure that its strategies and actions promote gender equality and the realization of human rights for women and men, girls and boys. The situation of minority women and girls requires special attention, intervention and protection in areas ranging from crime prevention and criminal justice responses to harmful traditional practices and violence against women. It is also a frequent concern in addressing nationality legislation, property rights and family and personal status laws as well as in ensuring equal access to health care, education, social security and income-generating opportunities. 17. In spite of being frequent victims of human rights violations, minority women are often excluded from decision-making when responses to human rights violations are being designed and implemented. Effective UN action requires continuous dialogue with a diverse representation of minority women, including with a view to ensuring their contributions to the ­design and implementation of UN action and enhancing their participation in ­decision-making, in areas ranging from land and property issues to peace processes and security sector reform in post-conflict situations, as well as their representation in elected and appointed positions both within their communities and in societies at large. 5. Focus on the most marginalized 18. While in most cases minorities are in a non-dominant position, the UN approach must reflect the fact that there are great differences between the experiences and positions of minorities. Whereas some minorities are systematically marginalized and excluded from decision-making and receive little or no support to improve their situation, others play an important role in the economy, state structures and other contexts. Such diversity can also be present within minority communities. 19. In considering such differences, which vary over time, the UN system should pay particular attention to those who are economically, politically and/or socially most marginalized and whose rights are particularly at 8 See recommendations from the fourth session of the Forum on Minority Issues in 2011 on guaranteeing the rights of minority women and girls. Established pursuant to the Human Rights Council resolution 6/15 of 28 September 2007, the Forum on Minority Issues provides a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues pertaining to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities.