XII. FOLLOW-UP TO NATIONAL CONSULTATIONS It is beyond the scope of this tool to examine in any depth the decision-making by policymakers that follows a consultation process. It should, nevertheless, be emphasized that the results of consultations should be taken into very serious account. However, they should not tie the hands of the decision makers. This is consistent with the human right of participation, which requires that views should be taken into account in a conscientious and respectful manner but does not carry with it the expectation that those views will be acted on. This is the only possible approach in a democratic society where the authorities must balance the demands of the various elements of the society in the context of a limited range of options and of finite resources. It may also guard against majoritarian tendencies, whereby the demands of the many would overwhelm the rights and entitlements of minority groups. Even if views are not acted upon, they remain a very useful resource. They can constitute valuable sources of information about the capacity and the willingness of communities to undertake reconciliation and rehabilitation, as well as about the assistance they need in that regard. As such, they are important for policymakers in general and development actors in particular. The findings of consultation processes have also often assisted educational authorities to devise school curricula and adult learning programmes that promote good citizenship, and national and community reconciliation. 27