But is macro-economic framework or are macro-economic policies enough? The answer is
‘no’. The policies have to be translated into social sectors. The policies have to be
translated in terms of targeted measures for some of the groups. The policies need to be
translated in to some of the [royal] issues going beyond resources. And there the whole
question of the legal framework the institutions come into play, because if the legal
framework has an inherent bias and discrimination against minorities, then they cannot
participate effectively in economic life. If there are no institutions, which support the
minorities in order to enhance their capabilities handing advantage of the opportunities
then basically their wellbeing is not ensured.
Therefore, in a nutshell, the policy framework involved in a particular country, the
institutions, the legal framework, the whole structure of it have to geared towards a
non-discriminatory dimension, and should be geared to enhancing the capabilities and
opportunities of minorities. Definitely the governments have a role to play there, but the
role should be extended to civil society, to the media, NGOs and to international
organisations. It is in this broader context that we are now having this particular
discussion on the issues of minorities and effective economic participation for their
wellbeing. I am pretty sure, that the delivered issues of the next two days would basically
focus on different important aspects of the issues that will be discussed. And at the end of
it will come up with very concrete action plans that would basically ensure their wellbeing.
UNDP has always been and is committed to human development from all walks of life and
in that context we have very much supportive of the work that the independent expert is
doing and we want to take the agenda forward in the coming years. Thank you.