From legislation to action: encouraging governmental programming The ombudsman should be involved in a programme-type approach to the implementation of minority rights. The ombudsman can offer advice on governmental action programmes and policy, and may be involved in training and liaising with relevant actors to improve practices. The ombudsman should have a role in monitoring progress of governmental action programmes and policy. The ombudsman should be involved in evaluating programmes and projects supporting minorities. The minority ombudsman should promote, initiate and support policy research helping the creation and implementation of policies relating to minority rights. The minority ombudsman may facilitate the establishment of and promote networks of minority organizations. The minority ombudsman may work in a liaison function to promote contact between minority organizations, public bodies, branches of government, non-public sector organizations, and between each of these categories of organizations and bodies. The ombudsman can use its reports to provide feedback on laws, policies and practices, and to signal the necessity of change in a systematic manner. PART I - express opinion on all new legislative drafts and policies that are related to minority issues - initiate new laws and policies concerning minority rights - review all other laws which could have a special impact on minorities. The ombudsman should undertake periodical audits of legislative provisions affecting minority rights. The ombudsman should draw on higher international standards, and have the duty to promote ratification and implementation of international instruments. The ombudsman should give proposals for new legislation or legislative amendments. The ombudsman should make comments on governmental and parliamentary legislative initiatives. The ombudsman should be able to criticize or comment on legislation that has been adopted. The ombudsman should help to develop higher legal standards and advance their interpretation. Promotion and education The minority ombudsman should: - develop good practice guides in the field of implementation of minority rights - develop or promote training and teaching of minority rights - develop and promote anti-racism, anti-xenophobia and pro-tolerance campaigns in cooperation with the media - be involved with promotional activities and education. 11