II • Minorities and effective political participation 8. At the most basic level, where they are scrupulously implemented, respect for fundamental human rights, including the right to non-discrimination, the right to vote and to be elected, and to freedom of expression, association and assembly, will contribute to the participation and representation of persons belonging to minorities, as well as to diminishing tensions, thus leading to the maintenance of peace and stability. 9. The implementation of the right to effective political participation of minorities is fundamental to the effective realization of full minority participation in political life. It is also a necessary condition to ensure the enjoyment of other fundamental human rights by persons belonging to minorities. Effective participation may be manifested in a wide range of forms, such as dissemination of information, civic advocacy and activism, as well as direct involvement in electoral politics. It can be ensured through many different means, ranging from consultative mechanisms to special parliamentary arrangements and, where appropriate, may even include forms of territorial or personal autonomy. II. RECOMMENDATIONS A. Governments (national, regional, local) and parliaments 10. Governments should take effective measures to end discrimination. They should consider, for instance, instituting independent monitoring and complaints mechanisms designed to prevent discrimination in voting, vote fraud, intimidation and similar acts that inhibit the effective participation of all, especially members of minorities, in electoral activities. Such mechanisms might include, inter alia, ombudspersons, independent electoral commissions and/or free legal services. These mechanisms should be made available in the geographic regions and languages of minority communities, and should be adequately resourced. 11. Governments should adopt a policy statement that recognizes the diversity within their respective societies with respect to race, ethnicity, religion and language, and that highlights the importance of ensuring that this diversity is indeed reflected as widely as practicable in public institutions and bodies, including national parliaments, the civil service, the police and the judiciary. 12. The policy statement should be followed by measures to ensure effective and sustainable minority political participation, including the development of a national plan of action. The plan of action should include, inter alia, the development of educational programmes and campaigns that promote political participation, ensure Compilation of Recommendations of the First Four Sessions 2008 to 2011 17 POLITICAL PARTICIPATION Working Group also emphasized that effective participation requires representation in legislative, administrative and advisory bodies, and more generally in public life (para. 44).