Discussion The Chairperson opened the floor for discussion8. During the discussion under Item III, participants identified the following aspects in relation to minority women and girls and the right to education: • • • • • • • • • • • • The fact that the dropout rates of girls from migrant backgrounds is often higher than that of boys and that of the majority population. Measures that have been used to address this include improvement of teachers’ training, promotion of preschools attendance for children with migration background, projects aimed at increasing literacy levels, with a specific focus on female immigrants who are particularly affected by this phenomenon, gender equality constantly mainstreamed and implemented into the school’s systems. The impact of the current recession on the progress achieved and on marginalised groups including minority women. The fact that gender-based discrimination is still very much a reality. The necessity to provide for example food, uniforms, materials and transport to ensure that minority girls can indeed afford to stay in school. The importance of vocational trainings in several sectors including agriculture. The discrepancies between rural and urban areas in some countries with regard to education of minority girls and women, including in terms of safety and security issues. The need for an international independent body to monitor and evaluate school curriculum and ensure that they are respecting the principles of nondiscrimination and equality. The negative role played by some media actors in perpetuating stereotypes. The importance of adopting measures aimed at equal opportunities to access education and employment. Need to not only review, reform, make transparent and implement legislation, practices and policies to eliminate discrimination against minority girls and women, including with regard to their access to education, but also to enable and encourage the full and effective participation of minority women in decisionmaking processes. The importance of gathering disaggregated data on minority girls in and out of schools. The need for mainstreaming of human rights education in schools, including on the rights of minority women and girls. 8 The list of speakers, and where available the full text of their presentations, can be found on the Forum’s web site at: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/minority/session4.htm 11