The role and activities of national institutional mechanisms in promoting and protecting minority rights 2012, para. 8
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Different approaches to minority rights protection exist based on national circumstances and factors including historical, cultural and religious background and political systems. Some States provide territorial, political or cultural autonomy which facilitates minority participation in regional or local institutions and establish forms of local or minority self-government. Many States officially recognize minorities, adopt constitutional and legislative provisions, and acknowledge that special attention may be required to ensure the enjoyment of their rights in equality with others. Recognition of the existence of minorities remains a precondition for positive national measures and institutional arrangements for promoting minority rights effectively.