HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL Forum on Minority Issues Minorities and Effective Political Participation “Basic requirements for effective political participation” I am grateful to have been invited to make an input on the issue of developing concrete policies, practical steps, actions and programs to advance minorities and to build their capacity to participate effectively, with the objective to generate a higher level of political participation at national, regional and local levels; task that I graciously assume with much pride, consciousness and sense of belonging. During the two days and a half of this Forum, including the initial Workshop we had on Wednesday, we have been privileged to receive very substantial contributions on the issue of discrimination against minority population around the world. This opportunity has ratified that there are, undoubtedly, basic and most essential factors cannot be evaded when intending to build their capacity to achieve effective political participation in our societies, which, as stated along numerous presentations are related but, of course not limited to: 1. Education 2. Awareness or Consciousness of the very people who are part of a minority. 3. Awareness or Consciousness of the existence of minority population in societies where there is a sort of denial of this reality. 4. Te needs to strengthen Civil Society Organizations including NGOs. 5. True and not only rhetorical National and Local Governments. Political compromise of