The role and activities of national institutional mechanisms in promoting and protecting minority rights 2012, para. 53
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A recent trend towards integration of specialized minority and ethnic equality bodies into wider human rights institutions has been identified in the European context. Funding issues, rather than real or perceived lack of need, may contribute to decisions to abolish or merge institutions, particularly in the context of the current global financial crisis. However, economic conditions should not be considered a valid reason to reduce necessary attention to minority issues. Merger of institutions should not weaken the required institutional attention and resources dedicated to minority issues or limit their independence or the scope of their work.