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All governments work for multi-ethnic and multi-cultural constituencies. Devising effective ways to manage this diversity within democratic governance requires transparency, inter-communal dialogue and respect for human rights, including minority rights. Democratic governance can emphasize policies that create an inclusive society. Democratic governance is facilitated where the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural composition of the State is fully recognized.
Minorities, especially minority women, frequently lack representation in government at the local or national level. Therefore, minorities have fewer opportunities to make a contribution to the government's design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development policies and programmes. Minorities often lack access to justice when their rights have been violated, even where non-discrimination legislation exists. Some minorities are prevented from obtaining citizenship because of requirements like language levels or citizenship laws based on descent; this means they cannot participate on an equal basis in elections and they can have difficulties in accessing social security benefits.
Democratic institutions are less effective at ensuring equality without special protection for minorities. Any initiative in support of democratic governance should be cognizant of the access and participation barriers that minorities may face and work to overcome these barriers. Two key factors are minority access to justice and participation in governance.
Before proceeding, a caveat is required. The relationship between the State and marginalised minorities is distinct in some ways from the relationship between the State and other marginalised groups. One of the main differences is political: minority groups are more likely to be viewed by some governments as potential political challengers than other groups. Ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, for example, commonly form political parties, whereas women, persons with disabilities or people living with HIV do not. Governments could be supported to create an environment where minorities can participate on an equal basis in political processes, including strengthening institutions for political freedom so that minority groups may form their own (political) associations.
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