Decentralization could entail the creation of specific institutions at the local level to address minority issues. In Serbia, for example, municipalities with one national minority that accounts for more than 5% of the municipal population, or all national minorities collectively account for more than 10% of the municipal population, form a Council for Inter-Ethnic Relations. These Municipal Councils for Interethnic Relations are established according to Article 36 of the Law on Local Self Government to deal with the realization, protection, and improvement of ethnic equality in local communities.28 Where decentralization processes seem unlikely, governments could establish communication mechanisms with minority groups, to enable transparent dialogue on issues of mutual concern. Building local government capacity: Local government service delivery could be improved by increased attention to minority protection and development. It is important to empower local government officials to implement policies regarding minorities. This requires open dialogue about their concerns regarding minority issues, including with minority actors; sensitization to minorities’ concerns; and awareness-raising on minority rights standards and their application to policy. Institutions at the local level to monitor and advise on minority issues can be an important support to local  government. National Minority Councils: Some governments have established national councils on minorities. These bodies aim to be representative and consultative institutions, usually with responsibility to liaise with governments on minority policy issues and make recommendations in this regard. The Government of Serbia has created a Council of National Minorities that coordinates the work of the 15 National Councils of National Minorities (i.e. the Hungarian, Ruthenian, Romanian, Wlachian, Croatian, Slovak, Bunjevci, Greek, Bulgarian, Ukrainian, Romani, Bosniac, Macedonian, Jewish and German Councils). The National Councils of National Minorities have competencies in four areas of national minority rights: culture, education, information and the official use of language and the alphabet. Line ministries have the duty to consult with the Council anytime they are preparing policies or regulations in these areas. The Council of National Minorities has representatives of each minority council who are elected by their constituencies for a term of four years. The Council is part of the Serbian Agency for Human and Minority Rights, chaired by the Prime Minister. In 2001, the Government of Peru created the National Commission of Andean, Amazon and Afroperuvian Peoples (CONAPAA), subsequently re-established in April 2005 as the National Institute for the Development of Andean, Amazonian and Afro-Peruvian Peoples (INDEPA), a body with ministerial status. AfroPeruvians have two representatives on the body (there are four for the Andean and three for the Amazonian indigenous peoples). The body was established under a World Bank loan designated for indigenous peoples and Afro-Peruvians. In Europe, a regional-level European Roma and Travellers Forum has been created to provide a similar function vis-à-vis European institutions, in particular, the Council of Europe. The effectiveness of these councils rests, inter alia, on their authority, accountability, budget and leadership. Efforts can be made to facilitate dialogue with minorities in alternative fora as well, especially at the level of local government or through other traditional decision-making structures, in order to enable pluralism of minority participation. A complete description and analysis of the functioning of these council can be found in the OSCE Guidebook for the Municipal Councils for Interethnic Relations, available at http://www.osce.org/serbia/item_11_24300.html (accessed 9 August 2009). 28 Chapter 4: Minorities in Development 53