A/HRC/8/30
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partnerships with countries that have been through a process of legal reforms on minority issues to
work closely with them on the legal, technical and institutional challenges involved in introducing
change. The United Kingdom noted that Poland has broadly homogenous society, in terms of its
ethnic and religious breakdown. The United Kingdom sought information on whether the
Government promotes awareness and discussion among the general population of diversity issues
and the need to avoid discrimination in all its forms. It asked if the delegation could inform them of
how and by when the Polish Government will introduce equality legislation in order to widen
participation and progression in the labour market, including for women and disabled people. It also
asked further details on how the equal treatment law will apply to discrimination on the grounds of
sexual orientation and how this will be implemented. In that respect, the United Kingdom
recommended that Poland take further steps to outlaw discrimination in all forms, including on the
grounds of sexual orientation.
23. Azerbaijan noted the monumental changes undertaken by Poland after the end of the
communist era and the difficulties it still encounters. Azerbaijan indicated its genuine interest and
even admiration of the achievements that Poland gained in many fields, including in the promotion
and protection of human rights. Azerbaijan noted a number of steps undertaken and welcomed the
establishment of the posts of human rights advisers in the police system with a view to monitoring
police activity and operations. Azerbaijan also welcomed with interest the Polish efforts aimed at
combating trafficking in human beings and assisting the victims. Azerbaijan also praised the
activity implemented to ensure rights of mental patients and the fact that human rights have been
included into the curriculum of primary and secondary schools in Poland. Azerbaijan also indicated
that it believes that Poland will overcome all problems with regard to unemployment and reduction
of poverty. It also noted with satisfaction that in the last years Poland witnessed improvement in the
labour market. In this regard Azerbaijan commended the Government on plans and programmes,
the National Strategy of Employment Growth and the National Employment Action Pan for 2008 in
particular. Azerbaijan noted that due to its geographical location, Poland is used as a transit country
for illegal migration and trafficking in human beings. It put forward a question on the difficulties
Poland is facing in this field and the measures taken by the authorities to address them. With respect
to the Human Capital Operational Programme, Azerbaijan asked the delegation to elaborate on this
document and lastly, Azerbaijan asked the delegation to elaborate on the social assistance provided
by the Government to the poor families.
24. The Republic of Korea noted with encouragement the efforts made by Poland to adopt the
Action Plan which implements the decision of the European Court of Human Rights and to further
strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Republic
of Korea noted with appreciation the efforts to expand access to courts in order to ensure essential
protection and pay close attention to the issue of delays in courts and administrative bodies. It also
noted the actions taken to eliminate the discrimination in employment practices based on the
National Strategy for the Growth of Employment and Development of Human Resources and the
various approaches used to meet this aim. In that respect, the Republic of Korea enquired about
specific measures taken to eliminate entry barriers for women in employment, to increase hiring of
persons with disabilities and to educate elderly workers. The Republic of Korea noted with
appreciation the continued efforts of Poland in dealing with the problems of prison overcrowding
and delays in court proceedings. In line with this, the Committee against Torture expressed concern
in May 2007 about the period of pre-trial detention. The Republic of Korea however noted the
various policy measures to address these concerns and challenges, as noted in the presentation of
the Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Poland, and encouraged the
Government to continue its efforts in that regard.
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