A/HRC/39/28 and the formulation and implementation of policy at international, national, regional and local levels. In that same general comment, the Committee also recognizes the right to participate directly in the conduct of public affairs. 50. There are several ways in which the right of direct participation in the conduct of public affairs can be exercised. Direct participation may take place when, for example, rights holders choose or change their constitutions or decide public issues through a referendum. 51. In general comment No. 25, the Human Rights Committee recognizes that direct participation is engaged in by taking part in popular assemblies which have the power to make decisions about local issues or about the affairs of a particular community, and in bodies established in consultation with government. In addition, participation in the conduct of public affairs can be realized by exerting influence through public debate and dialogue with elected representatives or through the capacity of rights holders to organize themselves. 52. The consultation process conducted in preparation for the present draft guidelines revealed that a number of direct participation initiatives, which contribute to and complement participation through elected representatives, are being implemented around the world. 53. Participation in decision-making processes may happen at different levels, from provision of information, through consultation and dialogue, to partnership or co-drafting. These levels relate to the degree of involvement or the “intensity” of participation of rights holders in the different steps of the decision-making process (i.e., agenda setting, drafting, decision-making, implementation, monitoring and reformulation). 54. Modalities of participation, namely, the tools to facilitate participation, such as websites, campaigns, multi-stakeholder committees, public hearings, conferences, consultations and working groups, may vary in function of the level of participation and the step of the decision-making process. While participation should be secured at all stages of decision-making, no specific set of modalities can be recommended in all contexts. 55. The following recommendations provide States with some guidance on how to ensure that rights holders can participate and exercise a meaningful influence in decisionmaking that may affect them. Practical recommendations (a) Institutional framework to ensure participation in the decision-making of public authorities 56. Formal permanent structures should be developed to ensure that participation in decision-making processes is widely understood, accepted and routinely realized by both public authorities and rights holders. Such structures may include a coordinating body for participation in the Government, participation coordinators or facilitators in ministries, joint public-civil society councils, committees or working groups and other bodies, or framework agreements between public authorities and civil society actors to support participation. 57. Formal participation structures should be accessible to and inclusive of individuals and groups that are marginalized or discriminated against, including those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, in particular women and girls. Specific permanent mechanisms for the participation of groups that have been historically excluded, or whose views and needs have been inadequately addressed in decision-making processes, such as indigenous peoples, minorities, and persons with disabilities, should be developed. 58. To ensure that these structures and mechanisms provide meaningful opportunities for participation, they should, at minimum: (a) 10 Be co-designed with relevant rights-holders;