A/58/255 There has been increasing attention from the international community on the importance of the protection of minority rights. Among the problems faced by minorities, the non-recognition of identities, social and economic inequality and exclusion from decision-making processes are recognized as root causes of minorityrelated problems or conflicts. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Working Group on Minorities have been pursuing regional approaches on minority issues, strengthening international cooperation for the better protection of minority rights, and enhancing international, regional and national systems of minority protection so as to reduce tensions and prevent conflict. The focus identified as central for that purpose is the effective participation of minorities in public life and in social and economic development. The present report contains information concerning the effective promotion of the provisions of the Declaration as requested in General Assembly resolution 56/162. 2