The role and activities of national institutional mechanisms in promoting and protecting minority rights 2012, para. 28
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Non-governmental organizations are often the most active advocates for minority rights and implement concrete and grass-roots programmes. They provide information, expertise and expert services to national institutions and provide an essential information and communication bridge between national authorities and minority communities. They also fulfil important functions, including provision of social support activities conducted within communities and by trained members of minorities. Academic institutions frequently have specialist knowledge of minority issues and conduct essential research which provides Governments that are seeking to strengthen institutional expertise and design appropriate policy and programme measures, with a valuable resource.