The role and activities of national institutional mechanisms in promoting and protecting minority rights 2012, para. 6
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Disadvantaged minorities are often the poorest communities and face marginalization and discrimination in respect of their participation in economic life. They are underrepresented in political life and decision-making bodies and lack opportunities to raise their issues at all levels. Certain minority communities experience denial or deprivation of citizenship, with implications for enjoyment of their rights. They often experience poor educational access and outcomes and exclusion from labour markets. Disadvantaged minorities often live in the lowest-quality housing, and in remote or undeveloped regions, and their health statistics are poor relative to other population groups. They often face barriers to achieving access to justice and in some countries face the threat of violence and disproportionate impacts of conflict.