A/HRC/11/4 page 14 52. The impact of the global financial crisis of 2008 has had a considerable impact on the developing world, with slowdowns expected in all emerging economies. These growth declines could have significant effects on the world’s poorest populations. 53. The concept of human poverty that focuses on the denial of opportunities and choices most basic to human development and the lack of respect of others, also highlights a lack of participation in decision-making and in civil, social and cultural life. The Commission on Human Rights, in its resolution 1997/11, reaffirmed that “in accordance with the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, it is essential for States to foster participation by the poorest people in the decision-making process in their communities, in the promotion of human rights and in efforts to combat extreme poverty”. The Special Rapporteur notes that people affected by chronic extreme poverty risk becoming socially excluded from full participation in the society in which they are living. Often the poor, the unemployed and people belonging to ethnic minorities and other vulnerable groups, remain marginalized in the social hierarchy. As such, the Special Rapporteur emphasizes the need for access to information to be guaranteed as a means towards securing participation and accountability. 54. Strengthening the voices of people living in poverty improves understanding and actions aimed at addressing poverty, injustice and inequality and can inform and influence public agendas locally, nationally and internationally. Adequate access to knowledge and information helps communities work for a better future. The Special Rapporteur believes that the media can play an important role by ensuring the dissemination of information and raising awareness of poverty as well as of a community’s role in eliminating poverty and improving living standards. 55. The inability of some people to command the processes and benefits of globalization, communications and information included, is a key concern. For many poor people, for whom globalization and the information revolution is still a slow-moving process, careful thought must be given as to how best to include them in local, national, regional and international information flows. The Special Rapporteur urges the international community to address the exclusion of marginalized and vulnerable groups from the media. Minorities, indigenous peoples, migrant workers, refugees and many other vulnerable communities have faced higher barriers, some of them insurmountable, to be able to fully exercise their right to impart and also to access information. For these groups, the media plays the central role of fostering social mobilization, participation in public life and access to information that is relevant for the community. Without a means to disseminate their views and problems, these communities are in effect excluded from public debates, which ultimately hinders their ability to fully enjoy their human rights. IV. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 56. This report outlines the vision and priorities of the Special Rapporteur for his mandate that he wishes to share with Member States and other stakeholders in a spirit of openness and transparency. The Special Rapporteur hopes that this same spirit will characterize his relationship with them throughout his tenure. 57. The Special Rapporteur will interpret the mandate by building on the achievements of his predecessors and the knowledge base developed and methods of work used.