ease tensions and foster mutual understanding. Bias and discrimination in history textbooks used in schools must be addressed and curricula relating to minorities must be developed in consultation with minorities. In Romania, civil society groups developed textbooks for primary school students that included information on national minorities, immigrant communities and their cultural traditions. The Ministry of Education then republished and distributed the books for use in the education system. 5. States should consider appropriate measures so that persons belonging to minorities may participate fully in the economic progress and development in their country. This article prohibits the exclusion of minorities from development and the appropriation of resources belonging to the minority. Minorities should be able to enjoy economic development and protect their identity at the same time. In Colombia, Afro-descendant communities have the constitutional right to be consulted on development projects, such as mining exploration, that are conducted in areas where they traditionally reside and practise small-scale mining. Despite these constitutional protections, numerous mining exploration permits have been granted to foreign companies without their knowledge or consent. Moreover, Afro-descendant community leaders have been killed or threatened. In April 2011, the Constitutional Court ruled that new mining activities should be suspended and that affected communities must be adequately consulted. However, it remains unclear whether this ruling will be effective in halting mining activities. Above: An AfroColombian miner from the Cauca region, Colombia. MRG/Morris Producciones. States must also address employment discrimination against minorities in public and private institutions so they can benefit from economic development. Article 5 1. National policies and programmes shall be planned and implemented with due regard for the legitimate interests of persons belonging to minorities. 9