ACFC/44DOC(2012)001 rev obstacles to the enjoyment of full and effective equality normally stretch far beyond language, the Advisory Committee invites the authorities to address comprehensively the propagation of stereotypes, discriminatory treatment and factual inequality of persons belonging to vulnerable groups, such as the Roma, in all fields of life in order to attempt to alter social attitudes vis-à-vis such groups. Such efforts may include, for instance, the promotion of the use of Romani where appropriate. 31. Language requirements stipulated by some States Parties to gain access to public employment, or in some cases even citizenship, may constitute a disproportionate obstacle for persons belonging to national minorities to the enjoyment of equal opportunities, and may thus have an indirect discriminatory effect. Efforts must be made to ensure that such requirements are designed and implemented in a non-discriminatory and transparent way and include mechanisms for their periodic review and evaluation, including as regards their impact on equal opportunities for persons belonging to national minorities. In this context, the Advisory Committee considers that easy access to quality language training in the official language(s) for persons belonging to national minorities can serve as a useful instrument for reducing disparities and for promoting more effective equality.31 2. TOLERANCE, INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE AND NON-DISCRIMINATION 32. Article 6 of the Framework Convention is applicable to all persons living on the territory of a State Party. This provision addresses societies as a whole, calling for policies that reflect and promote diversity, eliminate barriers, and encourage contacts and co-operation between persons belonging to different groups, particularly in the fields of education, culture and the media. The obligation to promote tolerance and mutual understanding and to combat any form of discrimination thus underpins all linguistic rights. Consequently and in line with the general spirit of individual bilingualism and plurilingualism found in the Framework Convention,32 the work of the Advisory Committee is based on the recognition and appreciation of the benefits of multilingualism to promote tolerance and respect for diversity in societies. 33. Language policies should ensure that all languages that exist in society are audibly and visibly present in the public domain so that every person is aware of the multilingual character of society and recognises him- or herself as an integral part of society. In order to create respect for lesser-used languages, language policies should encourage the use of different languages in public places, such as local administrative centres, as well as in the media. In addition, it is not only important for speakers of minority languages to learn majority languages but also vice versa. In line with the principles contained in Article 6 of the Framework Convention, inclusive language policies should cater for the needs of everybody, including persons belonging to national minorities living outside their traditional areas of settlement, immigrants and non-citizens.33 2.1. Reflecting cultural and linguistic diversity 34. The Advisory Committee has repeatedly criticised situations in which minority cultures and languages are not being promoted as an integral part of mainstream society but rather presented as “marginal”. This can lead to the isolation of minority cultures and languages and can result in the assimilation of persons belonging to minorities into the majority culture, which may be perceived as more ‘advanced’. The Advisory Committee therefore recommends including minority cultures as an integral part of general cultural development with due regard to their specific characteristics and positive contribution to 31 First Opinion on Latvia. See First Thematic Commentary on Education, part 2.1.2. 33 See, for instance, Third Opinion on Austria. 32 11