INTRODUCTION MAIN OBJECTIVES: The main objectives of the Guide and the Toolkit are to:     Introduce and enhance understanding of the key issues and rights of minorities; Identify institutions and mechanisms at international, regional and national levels for the promotion and protection of minority rights; Raise awareness of the importance of addressing minority issues in development programming and to provide guidance in the application of relevant normative frameworks in programme/ project planning, designing, implementation and evaluation; and Facilitate capacity development and identify strategies for strengthening partnerships with government counterparts, the donor community and civil society organizations (CSOs). FOR WHOM? The primary target groups of this product are UNDP country office practitioners and those with policy advisory responsibilities. However, it may also serve as a reference document for other UN agencies, multilateral organisations, Government counterparts, and civil society organisations. The document is meant to enable the target group(s) to understand the conceptual issues and fundamental principles relating to the promotion and protection of minorities, learn how to draw on the available international and regional standards to engage minorities in development programming processes, influence policy choices, as well as increase their opportunities for meaningful participation and representation in development processes. HOW TO USE? The Resource Guide and Toolkit has been divided as follows: Chapter 1 provides a summary of the key justifications and strategies for ensuring the inclusion of minorities in development. This chapter also addresses: Why is it important for UNDP to address minority issues? What steps can UNDP take to respond to minority issues? Part I (Chapters 2-3) examines the key conceptual issues and fundamental principles for the promotion and protection of minority rights. Part II (Chapters 4-7) reviews programming opportunities and relevant strategies for UNDP to integrate minorities in development, including capacity development support for government officials and institutions, UNDP staff, minorities, as well as possible entry points for effective advocacy and partnership building efforts. Detailed attention is given to opportunities and strategies in UNDP practice areas. Several UNDP and country examples are also provided. xiii