A/HRC/17/41 64. Various forms of gender-based violence and discriminatory practices against women remain key human rights challenges. Gender-based violence, including domestic violence, is widespread. There are no fully funded State shelters and crisis centres for women and girls. Existing shelters operate on an ad-hoc basis depending on the availability of grants from international organizations and donors. 65. The June 2010 violence resulted in many allegations and reports of sexual and physical violence against women, men and minors. While a number of cases have been documented and reported to OHCHR, comprehensive data is limited due to the sensitive nature of this issue. 66. The gender-based violence, including sexual violence, that took place in June 2010 highlights the need for the Government to address this issue structurally. In particular, there is a need to increase the number of specialists, especially in rural areas, with the adequate knowledge and skills to provide victims with medical and psychological assistance; to train State employees so they can respond effectively to cases of gender-based violence; to allocate financial support for the operation of existing crisis centres and shelters and the opening of new ones, especially in remote areas; to provide quality free legal aid for the population; and to ensure equal access to such services for all groups and communities. 4. Minorities 67. Since the April 2010 unrest and particularly following the June 2010 inter-ethnic violence, there has been growing concern at the rise in discriminatory practices faced by members of minorities at the institutional level. This is increasingly reflected in attitudes within the public at large. In particular, ethnic Uzbeks have faced ongoing discrimination in the aftermath of the June 2010 inter-ethnic violence. 68. In recent months, concern has increased at the growing inter-ethnic tensions in the country, which are contributing indirectly to the rise in internal migration and emigration. Statements by a few officials in various regions of the country have often fuelled the nationalistic discourse and contributed to feelings of vulnerability within the minority communities. 69. Reports of cases where ethnic minorities are subjected to the illegal seizure of their land, unlawful takeover of their businesses, or physical or verbal threats, are becoming more commonplace. Due to a pervasive fear among victims of such ethnically motivated acts, there is a general reluctance to file complaints with the law enforcement bodies. To date, no criminal case has been brought by the law enforcement authorities under article 299 of the Criminal Code, which proscribes “incitement to inter-ethnic hatred”. 70. In December 2010, the Department for Ethnic and Religious Policy and Interaction with Civil Society, under the Presidential Administration, initiated the drafting of a concept for ethnic development and society integration. The underlying principles of the proposed draft concept are: rule of law, respect for human rights and cultural diversity, preservation of the identity of ethnic groups and non-discrimination, ensuring equal opportunities for political participation and transition from ethnic identity to civil identity. 71. The proposed draft concept should ensure the implementation of measures aimed at the sustainable development of society based on common values and the co-participation of all nationalities in society and in socio-economic and cultural processes. Various stakeholders are being widely consulted on this. The proposed draft concept is expected to be sent to Parliament in late March and considered for adoption in June 2011. 13