in discussions about how they can implement the Declaration. p Target the media – Engage with journalists, possibly through trainings on the Declaration or study-visits to minority communities. Think of creative ways to attract journalists to cover stories on the challenges faced by your community, and stories that counteract negative stereotypes. Foster links with journalists to encourage more culturally sensitive reporting. Since the media is one of the main vehicles that can spread discrimination, it is very important people working in the media understand the rights of minorities. p Work with other communities – Often there are many different minority groups in a country. Working alongside other communities will help you build a stronger common platform to advocate for rights at the national level. Training sessions Educating communities about their rights, and decision-makers about their obligations is crucial. p Minority and majority communities – Trainings should target all members of society and are particularly effective if they are conducted through educational institutions. Make sure you include particularly vulnerable people within minority groups (such as women, and youth) and members from the majority community as well. p Teachers – By training university and public school teachers, it is hoped that they will then be more aware of the ways in which their teaching might inadvertently encourage discrimination, and will prevent discrimination in their classrooms. p Civil society – Many people working in NGOs are unaware of the Declaration but are in a great position to carry out advocacy work. Make sure NGOs are included in trainings, especially as part of an effort to create a wider advocacy platform among minorities. p Lawyers and decision-makers – Lawyers must be familiar with the Declaration so that they can then invoke its provisions in court when necessary. Decision-makers, including members of national human rights institutions, should be aware of the rights and responsibilities in the Declaration. National advocacy campaigns Pushing for specific changes in national and local law, and policies that will serve to protect the rights of minorities, is also crucial. In the long term, advocacy campaigns can work to abolish a specific law or policies that discriminate against minorities, advocate for the creation of new laws to protect the rights of minorities, or seek to implement existing provisions. More immediate concerns might include securing adequate housing, or access to health or other services. p Letters or petitions to government – Start by making the government aware of the issues facing minorities and its obligations under the Declaration. Letters or petitions can be used to push for the political participation of minorities. p Public statements – Issue public statements and press releases in regard to certain laws and policies to make sure the government is reminded of its responsibilities under the Declaration. p Promote best practice – Help your government learn about how other governments have successfully implemented the rights of minorities by describing examples in your communications. p Meet with national human rights institutions – Make sure these institutions are familiar with your work and encourage them to prioritize the protection of minority rights. p Meet with embassy representatives and development agencies – Ensure that international representatives consider the provisions of the Declaration in their programmes and policies. Lobby embassy representatives to take up minority concerns in their communications with your government. International advocacy campaigns Using the provisions in the Declaration can also be useful for international advocacy, particularly within the UN system. UN agencies and mechanisms must be reminded of and held accountable for their responsibilities under Article 9 of the Declaration. p The UN Independent Expert on Minority Issues (IEMI) has a mandate to monitor the implementation of the Declaration. As part of this mandate, she accepts evidence from civil society. Communications to the IEMI should detail the situation of minorities in your country, and the status of implementation of the Declaration, including successes and challenges. The IEMI also makes up to two country visits each year. Lobby your government to extend an invitation to the IEMI.