Decentralization: Decentralization of power can greatly improve minority participation, especially if they are territorially concentrated. Most policies concerning minorities are implemented at the local level, even if it is central governments that make the initial commitment to protect minority rights. Decentralization can take several forms. In circumstances where minorities are territorially concentrated and have expressed a desire for autonomy, the creation of autonomous regions of governance may be highly effective in increasing minority participation. Where appropriate, the recognition of autonomy could also take the form of transferring some authority to existing traditional forms of community governance. Forms of cultural autonomy are also commonly endorsed. For example, in Ukraine, the Law on Local Government grants local authorities specific rights in facilitating national cultural traditions and in providing broad possibilities for education in the mother tongue of local people. In post-conflict situations, power-sharing agreements may also be effective. In all cases the processes do need to be monitored closely to ensure the best outcome for equal representation of minorities and of marginalised groups within minority communities. As with other areas, good practices on decentralization mechanisms and institutions that increase minority participation could be shared with governments. Implementing Good Governance in Multi-Ethnic Communities: Experience from Southeast Europe The Ethno-cultural Diversity Resource Centre organized a regional conference in 2006 on “Good Governance in Multi-Ethnic Communities” to share best practice from Southeast Europe and identify common standards and principles. The findings set out some key recommendations for good governance in multi-ethnic communities:  Give minorities a role in decision-making at the local level;  Do not limit their participation to consultation;  If small minority groups are underrepresented, then appropriate mechanisms to improve representation should be developed;  Ensure genuine representation of all groups in the local representative bodies;  Empower people;  Do not limit your approach to minority rights;  Raise awareness of the existing diversity in the community;  Promote cross-group alliances in order to support each local ethno-cultural community’s interests;  Monitor the impact of the existing legislation through appropriate indicators;  Ensure participation of the beneficiaries in all stages of implementation of the legislation;  Ensure resources at the local level as well, in order to implement the national legislation and to respond to the community’s needs. Source: Good Governance in Multi-Ethnic Communities: Conditions, Instruments, Best Practices, Ways to Achieve and Measure Good Governance at the Local Level, Ethno-cultural Diversity Resource Centre and King Baudouin Foundation, 2007: p. 54. 52 M A R G I N A L I S E D M I N O R I T I E S I N D E V E LO P M E N T P R O G R A M M I N g