170 PROMOTING AND PROTECTING MINORITY RIGHTS 83. Article 8.3 answers this question by pointing out that such measures shall not prima facie be considered to be contrary to the principle of equality. Under normal circumstances, measures to ensure effective participation, or to ensure that minorities benefit from economic progress in society or have the possibility to learn their own language will not be a privilege vis‑à‑vis other members of the society. It is essential, however, that such measures do not go beyond what is reasonable under the circumstances and are proportional to the aim sought to be realized. 8.4 Nothing in the present Declaration may be construed as permitting any activity contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations, including sovereign equality, territorial integrity and political independence of States. 84. As stated in the preamble, the Declaration is based on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Note should also be taken of the conviction expressed in the preamble that the promotion and protection of the rights of minorities contribute to the political and social stability of States. Article 8.4 serves as a reminder that nothing in the Declaration can be construed as permitting any activity which is contrary to the purposes of the Charter. Particular mention is made of activities that are contrary to the sovereign equality, territorial integrity and political independence of States. As pointed out above, the rights of persons belonging to minorities are different from the rights of peoples to self-determination, and minority rights cannot serve as a basis for claims of secession or dismemberment of a State. ARTICLE 9 The specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system shall contribute to the full realization of the rights and principles set forth in the present Declaration, within their respective fields of competence. 85. Wherever possible, the agencies and bodies of the United Nations system shall contribute to the full realization of the Declaration. Projects of technical cooperation and assistance shall take the standards contained in the Declaration fully into account. The Working Group on Minorities established by the United  Nations in July  1995 serves as a stimulus for such cooperation. This article should be seen in the light of the Charter of the United Nations (Arts. 55 and 56), according to which the Organization shall promote respect and observance for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Promotion of the rights of persons belonging to minorities form[s] part of that obligation. United  Nations organs and specialized agencies should give special consideration to requests for technical cooperation and assistance that are designed to achieve the aims of this Declaration.