In early 1999 the government and UNDP funded a several month long public discussion of the document, including a series of seminars, media debates, conferences and so forth with the express aim of engaging NGOs and minorities in a process of dialogue. Interestingly, the debate demonstrated that the early focus on interethnic relations needed to be transcended. It became apparent that not only non-citizens and minorities needed to be integrated, but that all segments of society were alienated from government. While important, divisive issues such as citizenship and language should not be allowed to overshadow the common social problems affecting all members of society and the shared desire to promote regional development. For example, there is no longer a section on citizenship and naturalization, but rather a focus on civic participation, the role of NGOs and the need to overcome alienation and mistrust of public institutions.
Naturalization is but one small element of the broader imperative of deepening democracy.
I am part of the team drafting this section and I must admit to having shamelessly plagiarized from the 1996 and 1998 NHDRs which contain detailed analyses on social and political participation, the role of local governments, alienation and the consequent need for greater transparency and increased access to information. Another important addition is a section on social issues, including poverty reduction, combating social exclusion, and guaranteeing equal opportunities for all. Needless to say, his work relies heavily on research sponsored by UNDP, such as a poverty assessment, a survey on reproductive health and more. The revised Framework document is to form the basis for a National Integration Programme with funding allocated form the state budget and the creation of a new institution to co-ordinate integration policy. Even now, at the municipal level, several local governments have created integration commissions, initiated new social programmes, and solicited projects from the public, thereby moving rapidly ahead of the more cumbersome national policy process.