Some minority groups exist across state boundaries. Regional coordination may ensure that cross-border minority issues are addressed through regional dialogue as appropriate. The inclusion of minority groups in regional and global NGO platforms and consultation processes may be supported. For example, the negotiation of the regional free trade agreement for Central America42 created a civil society committee but did not initially invite Afro-descendant NGOs to participate; thanks to lobbying by Afrodescendant NGOs, they secured a place on the committee and have been able to articulate their specific concerns over the negotiation. 7.4 INFORMATION AND OUTREACH: Community outreach to minority groups is important. Special efforts could be made to hold meetings and consultations at the regional level, closer to minority areas. These could be more accessible through the provision of translation into minority languages. Resources could be allocated for the translation of country office websites and publications into minority languages. This is especially important where publications and projects are relevant to minority communities. 7.5 PARTICIPATION: The right to participation for minorities may be facilitated in various ways. Minority CSOs could be engaged in a manner similar to that of other CSOs,43 including enabling minority women and men to participate in civil society consultations/ committees; supporting the development of networks of minority CSOs; and encouraging governments to engage in dialogue with minorities on key issues. Theme groups on minorities could be created for CCA/UNDAF processes and UNCT CSO consultative institutions could include permanent representation from minority groups. Public policy discussions on issues that are of particular importance to minorities, such as discrimination, education, or local governance could be convened. Each of these actions helps minorities to participate in decision-making processes that affect their communities. The participation process may be slower and/or more costly when engaging minorities (e.g. because of translation costs, cultural processes of dialogue and decision-making), which could be factored into consultation planning. For indigenous peoples, the principle of free, prior and informed consent is a core component of their right to participation and to self-determination. The UNDG Guidelines on Indigenous Peoples’ Issues provides a detailed discussion on how UNDP and other UN Agencies can play an instrumental role in supporting capacities to ensure participation and respect for the principle of free, prior and informed consent. See the Dominican Republic-Central America – United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). 42 See the recommendations of: UNDP and Civil Society Organizations: A Policy of Engagement. 43 Chapter 7: Advocacy and Partnership 105