A/HRC/7/15 page 12 B. Social protection and inclusion 48. In his previous reports, the independent expert referred to several attempts at estimating social exclusion and to the establishment of a relationship between social exclusion and other aspects of poverty leading to the denial of basic freedom or security of certain sections of society. In most countries, development policies are designed in a manner whereby only one dimension of the three aspects of poverty, such as income or human development poverty, is accorded importance. The social inclusion process initiated by the European Union in 2000 provides a strong example whereby the concept of social exclusion has been expanded to include the other elements of extreme poverty (income poverty and human development poverty) in the European Union development discourse to make a significant impact on eradicating poverty in the region by 2010. Plans to combat poverty are integrated into national policies, and Member States are encouraged to examine their policies critically.7 Member States are also aiming at reforming their already developed social protection systems through policy dialogue and mutual learning. The Open Method of Coordination process is being implemented, whereby the European Union social security system is being modernized, particularly in the field of pensions, health and long-term care.8 49. The social inclusion aims of the European Union programme are: • To eradicate child poverty by breaking the vicious circle of intergenerational inheritance • To make labour markets more inclusive, entailing an adequate level of income support with a link to the labour market and better access to services9 • To ensure decent housing for everyone that promotes social inclusion related to homelessness through projects, campaigns and studies10 • To overcome discrimination and increase the integration of people with disabilities, ethnic minorities and immigrants by adopting a three-pronged approach: increasing inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized groups; increasing access to mainstream services and opportunities; and enforcing legislation to overcome discrimination and developing targeted approaches to respond to the specific needs of each group, particularly immigrants and ethnic minorities 7 Social inclusion at http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/spsi/poverty_social_ exclusion_en.htm. 8 Social protection at http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/spsi/social_protection_en.htm. 9 Active inclusion at http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/spsi/active_inclusion_en.htm. 10 Decent housing and homelessness at http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/spsi/ homelessness_en.htm.