Dimension: 7.2.4 Representation of other underrepresented groups
This dimension concerns the representation of groups and communities who may otherwise be underrepresented in parliament. The definition of “underrepresented groups” is highly dependent on the context of each country, but generally includes national, ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, Indigenous peoples and other social groups in vulnerable situations. Underrepresented groups often face marginalization and are disproportionately affected by poverty, unemployment, and limited access to quality education and healthcare. Representation in parliament is an important step towards overcoming these challenges and ensuring equality more broadly.
Different mechanisms for promoting the representation of underrepresented groups are observed across different countries. Special measures to ensure the representation of minority and Indigenous groups in parliament are often used, such as reserved seats. Some systems allow the formation of political groups on the basis of ethnic, religious or linguistic identity, while in other countries this may be prohibited.
By virtue of their numerical size, the number of MPs representing minority groups is likely to be quite small. Parliament Parliament A national body of elected (or sometimes appointed) representatives that makes laws, debates issues and holds the government to account. should consider ways to ensure the equitable participation of such MPs in its work.
In addition to guaranteeing their parliamentary representation, parliaments often seek to maintain dialogue and to consult with underrepresented groups in order to ensure their voice is heard in the decision-making process. See also Target 6: Participatory parliament.
Aspiring goal
Assess your parliament against this dimension
Assessment criteria
No 1: Right to participate in public affairs
The legal framework guarantees the right of all people, including underrepresented groups, to take part in the conduct of public affairs, including the right to vote and to stand for office, without discrimination.
No 2: Special measures
Parliament has adopted special measures to promote the representation of underrepresented groups in parliament, such as quotas and reserved seats.
No 3: Rules of procedure
Parliament’s rules of procedure provide opportunities for MPs representing minority groups to participate actively in the work of parliament.
No 4: Practice
In practice, underrepresented groups are represented in parliament and are able to engage effectively in parliamentary work.
How to complete this assessment
This dimension is assessed against several criteria, each of which should be evaluated separately. For each criterion, select one of the six descriptive grades (Non-existent, Rudimentary, Basic, Good, Very good and Excellent) that best reflects the situation in your parliament, and provide details of the evidence on which this assessment is based.
The evidence for assessment of this dimension could include the following:
- Provisions of the constitution and/or other aspects of the legal framework guaranteeing the political rights of minority and Indigenous groups and prohibiting discrimination
- Provisions of the legal framework establishing special measures for minority and Indigenous groups
- Evidence of representatives of minority and Indigenous groups in parliament, including on parliamentary committees, caucuses and/or councils
- Statistics on minority and Indigenous MPs in the current parliament
Where relevant, provide additional comments or examples that support the assessment.
Sources and further reading
- Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM), The Lund Recommendations on the Effective Participation Participation The process through which people, individually or in groups, get involved in an activity or decision. of National Minorities in Public Public All the members of a community in general, regardless of their citizenship status. Life (1999).
- OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Guidelines to Assist National Minority Participation Participation The process through which people, individually or in groups, get involved in an activity or decision. in the Electoral Process (2001).
- Oleh Protsyk, The representation of minorities and indigenous peoples in parliament (2010).
Get help with this assessment
The assessment of indicators involves diagnosing and considering strengths and weaknesses, i.e. the things parliament is doing well, and the things it could do better or more effectively, taking into account established good practices that are described in the indicators.
Read the assessment guidance to find out what to consider when conducting an assessment against the Indicators. Find out how to prepare, how to set the objectives of the assessment, how to organize the process, and more. Contact the project partners for expert advice.
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