poverty in order to ensure that – at a minimum – inequality levels do not increase as a result of the MDG poverty reduction strategies.17 Minorities face difficulties in poverty reduction that should not be ignored. Mainstreaming human rights can help to improve the impact of MDG 1 programmes. The Millennium Project Report called upon States to ensure that special attention is paid to groups like minorities in the elaboration of poverty reduction strategies, in a manner that is consistent with human rights: National MDG-based poverty reduction strategies should be consistent with the principle of equality and non-discrimination laid down in applicable international human rights standards. This implies that strategies are designed to reach the entire underserved population, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, regional background or gender. It also implies taking steps to ensure that the most underprivileged and marginalised sections of society can exercise their rights. (UN Millennium Project 2005, p. 119) Violations of the right to non-discrimination are an overarching factor in poverty. Discrimination can impair access to health, education, financial credit, housing, employment, citizenship and justice – each compounding the likelihood of living in poverty. Minority women may be further disadvantaged because of gender discrimination. Discrimination can be overcome through nondiscrimination legislation, monitoring and enforcement mechanisms and special measures in development programmes. Providing support that enables minorities to access justice mechanisms on an equal basis with others is a good starting point, helping to ensure that existing laws of protection are enforced without discrimination. This could include, for instance, improving access to information on employment law, legal clinics and registration of land title. Legislative and policy reform may also address direct or indirect discrimination barriers. Key sectors include robust labour laws that prohibit discrimination in the public and private sectors, that support employment tribunals, and the development of equal pay monitoring mechanisms. The ICERD allows States to adopt “special measures” (i.e. specially targeted programmes) for minorities where disaggregated data reveals inequalities for these groups. These may include affirmative action policies in employment, housing or education to overcome discrimination. Increased resources to minority areas can reduce inequalities in access to basic social services. Supporting economic development opportunities in areas where minorities reside may increase prospects for sustainable employment and investment. Good practice in poverty reduction MDG reports show that many States are taking action where minorities have higher rates of poverty, including by:  Publishing disaggregated data on poverty;  Undertaking baseline studies on the experiences of poverty by minorities;  Adopting national strategies to reduce poverty for the poorest minorities;  Using affirmative action policies to increase public employment opportunities for minorities. This is consistent with the requirement in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights that states ensure groups do not experience retrogression in progress towards their economic and social rights. See CESCR General Comment No. 3 on the Nature of States Parties’ Obligations, UN doc. E/1991/23, Annex III, 1990, paragraph 9, where further caveats are provided. 17 Chapter 4: Minorities in Development 37