Sinti and Traveller communities. The availability of, and access to, public services and infrastructure, such as electricity, heating, clean water, roads, refuse disposal, sewerage and emergency services, all contribute to achieving an adequate standard of housing. Given other social and economic inequalities affecting national minorities, the provision of affordable housing, whereby the costs for maintaining housing do not compromise or threaten other basic needs such as food and clothing, is fundamental for improving overall housing conditions. In this respect, creating adequate financial instruments for obtaining adequate housing plays a central role, including measures to facilitate access to credit. Particular attention should be paid to the situation of vulnerable minority women, and gender sensitive approaches should be applied. To support the integration of society and the realization of the right to adequate housing, States should seek to avoid the emergence of segregated housing for persons belonging to national minorities, while avoiding undue interference in identity-related traditions and lifestyles.108 States should also ensure that minorities have access to housing located in areas allowing access to employment opportunities, health care services, schools and other social facilities. Housing should not be located on contaminated sites or in the proximity of sources of pollution that could endanger the health of the inhabitants. Anti-discrimination provisions and remedies should be robustly implemented to prevent discrimination in the area of housing, including discriminatory practices by owners of rental housing or on the part of mortgage providers. States should also secure equal access to subsidized housing and shelters. 108 Ljubljana Guidelines, Guideline 7. 44 Recommendations on the Effective Participation of National Minorities in Social and Economic Life