interest demonstrated by the Government of Burundi in promoting the inclusion of the Batwa in the political sphere reflected in the adoption of such measures as reserved seats in the two chambers of Parliament as well as in some important national institutions, the creation of an ad hoc Commission in the Senate addressing minority issues, and adoption of the new electoral code. Ms. Yvette Jarvis shared her personal experience as an immigrant living in Greece with public responsibilities as special advisor to the mayor of Athens. As one of the elected immigrants, appointed to head up the committee on Immigrant Affairs, her statement focused on the situation of immigrants in Greece. She stressed the need for provisions for immigrants to participate in elections either through long term status or the acquisition of citizenship and for adequate infrastructure to receive, educate and mentor immigrants. She also underlined that language continues to be a barrier for effective participation in the Greek political landscape and the need for training and sensitization of the civil society. Discussion The Chairperson opened the floor for discussion 10 . During the discussion under Item V, participants gave details on practices in their own countries and raised the following issues: ƒ Impact of electoral systems ƒ Importance to ensure that everyone can exercise their right to vote ƒ Respect for the right to non-discrimination and importance of combating racism as well as effective recognition of the plurality within a given State ƒ Importance of tailoring a political system to a specific country situation ƒ Impact of the Constitution and implementation of relevant legislation ƒ Respect for freedom of expression and participatory rights and the need to ensure that all candidates have access to the media and to adequate resources ƒ Role and responsibilities of main political parties ƒ Need for mainstreaming of minority issues ƒ Role of civil society in supporting minority political participation ƒ Practices in place in some countries to improve the level of participation by minority women ƒ Experience of minority consultative bodies which should include members of the majority ƒ Importance of increasing minority participation at all levels, including in the police, the civil service and others ƒ Importance of reflecting the diversity of the State in order to have a truly democratic system and for bodies in place to be representative of the society 10 The list of speakers, and when available the full text of their presentations, can be found on the Forum’s website at: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/minority/oral_statements_forum_minority_2009.htm 15