A/HRC/17/11 individual cases of ethnically motivated violence or discrimination, let alone a state policy of discrimination”. 87. The delegation noted that for the implementation of the National Concept for Tolerance and Civil Integration, a five-year action plan had been adopted by the Council of Tolerance and Civil Integration in cooperation with the Ethnic Minority Council functioning under the Public Defender’s Office. Several State agencies signed a memorandum of understanding with the Office, thus establishing an effective system of cooperation and consultation. 88. The delegation noted that a number of high-ranking officials were self-declared national minorities. The Ministry of Internal Affairs’ policy was to give priority to minority applicants while recruiting people in the regions inhabited by national minorities. The Zurab Zhvania School of Public Administration provided training for national minorities for preparing them for employment in public sector. 89. The legislation regarding the registration of religious groups provided the possibility to any religious group to operate as registered and/or non-registered legal entity. Amendments to the Civil Code simplified registration and provided tax breaks for nonprofit organizations, including religious groups. Twenty religious organizations were registered in Georgia. Discussions were under way to accommodate interest of those traditional religious organizations that refused to register in accordance with the current legislation. 90. The delegation also stressed positive actions on the restitution of property to a number of religious organizations. 91. The delegation noted that a comprehensive reform was under way in the childcare institution system. The delegation underlined the importance of the State Care Agency, responsible for almost all childcare institutions. 92. Reform aimed at substituting a network of family group homes for large residential institutions for children without parental care was mentioned by the delegation. Measures were taken to foster reintegration of a child into biological families, promotion of adoption and foster-care services, including kinship and emergency foster care. Small-to-medium size group homes and long-term palliative care services would be developed for children with disability. 93. As to street children, the delegation underlined the importance of establishing a day centre in Tbilisi and the launching of another centre in 2011, in line with the Child Welfare Action Plan. 94. Serbia noted the strengthened legislative and operational efforts of Georgia. It requested more information on practical steps planned or under way to increase the participation of ethnic minorities in civil, political and economic life, and the practical steps emerging from the recently adopted Gender Equality Law. Serbia made recommendations. 95. Latvia noted that Georgia had made efforts in a number of fields by enhancing legal reforms and enforcing human rights legislation. Latvia also welcomed the fact that Georgia had extended a standing invitation to the special procedures in March 2010. Latvia made a recommendation. 96. Sweden observed that reports indicated that prison conditions remain poor, in certain cases amounting to inhuman treatment. It also noted that, in 2010, the forced eviction of some 5,000 persons had been carried out without adequate consultation or the provision of appropriate housing alternatives. Sweden made recommendations. 97. Australia noted efforts to improve the situation in a number of areas such as criminal justice, gender equality and children’s rights. It voiced concerns about prison conditions 12