Minority rights-based approaches to the protection and promotion of the rights of religious minorities 2013, para. 77
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For States to be able to fulfil their obligations under international human rights provisions, a first step must be for them to consult directly with the religious minorities. The most obvious reason for consultation lies in their very diversity. One of the very rationales of minority rights is that of disparate impact. A State may treat all its population equally, but this can result in serious negative consequences for religious minorities whose distinctive characteristics may require specific provisions, for example with regard to worship requirements, matters of conscience, dress or diet. Without including religious minorities in questions and decisions that concern them, their issues cannot be taken into consideration. Consultation with minorities constitutes a core requirement of human rights standards, including the Declaration.