A/HRC/8/30 Page 4 and noted that the Ombudsman fulfils the task of a national human rights institution, according to the Paris Principles, an issue raised in one of the advance questions. Regarding the involvement of civil society in the elaboration of the report, an issue also raised in one of the questions, he noted that the draft report was shared with a number of institutions, including the Ombudsman’s Office, relevant Parliamentary Committees, as well as with NGOs; however, the period for submitting comments was short, which they acknowledged. This experience will allow Poland to improve communication and cooperation with NGOs in the future. He announced the initiative of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs to establish the Forum for Cooperation with Non-Governmental Organizations, which held its first meeting in March 2008. 7. He indicated that the Constitution of Poland, and the conventions and international treaties to which Poland is a party are implemented by the courts directly, without the need to introduce the principles contained therein into the national legislation. The issues relating to countering discrimination and ensuring equal treatment of all persons, irrespective of their sex, religion, beliefs, ethnic origin, nationality, race, age, disability or sexual orientation and other reasons, become more and more important in the changing international reality, determined by growing migration and interweaving of various cultures and customs. At present Poland is working on a draft act on equal treatment to complement the regulations already in force. The act is expected to be adopted by Parliament in November 2008. Poland has also been implementing measures of institutional and educational nature, as well as long-term plans and operational strategies aimed at countering discrimination, racism or social exclusion. He referred also to a programme to benefit the Roma minority, which is being implemented since 2004 in the areas of education, employment, improvement of living conditions and health care. The duties of public authority organs in the domain of supporting activities aimed at protecting, maintaining and developing cultural identity of minority groups are determined in the Act of 6 January 2005. These include transferring subsidies for financing cultural institutions, artistic movements and artistic activities of minority groups (this represents about two hundred cultural events a year). Attention is also paid to equal treatment of women and men. A number of initiatives have been undertaken to change stereotypical attitudes with regard to the role of women in the life of the society. The situation of persons with disabilities remains difficult. In order to ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in the labour market, the Act on the vocational and social rehabilitation and employment of the persons with disabilities was amended in 2007. A range of programmes supporting education, vocational training and professional activities of persons with disabilities is being implemented. 8. Regarding discrimination based on sexual orientation, he indicated that provisions of the Polish Penal Code do not distinguish it as a separate offence. Prosecutors and courts treat crime victims in the same manner, regardless of whether they are homosexual or heterosexual. The national Training Centre for the Staff of Courts and Prosecutors’s Offices conduct training designed to counteract discrimination. He indicated that the Government has also commissioned research which should allow the situation of particular groups exposed to discrimination to be diagnosed in a reliable manner and to address the situation of person in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) group in a comprehensive way. Media campaigns, coach training, preparation of textbooks and elaboration of methods of teaching about diversity were also undertaken. A working group on discrimination based on sexual orientation, in collaboration with LGBT community organizations was also established. The group may submit its opinions and recommendations to the Minister of Labour and Social Policy. In order to raise awareness of various forms of discrimination and prejudice towards persons of other nationalities, race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation and towards