A/HRC/8/30
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target groups, families and unemployed in particular. The delegation also indicated that actions to
improve the situation of vulnerable groups in the labour market have been undertaken, in particular
by adopting special measures to achieve their sustainable social inclusion. Innovative measures
stipulated by the law on social cooperatives and the law on social employment are geared to
long-term unemployed people and those who have trouble to be integrated socially. The delegation
noted that an assistance programme for rural areas has been also put in place, co-financed by the
World Bank, and that social integration measures targeting children, families and senior citizens are
part of the programme.
36. On the question addressed by Azerbaijan on the Human Capital Operational Programme, the
delegation indicated that this is part of the European Social Fund to support countries in developing
human social conditions. In 2008-2013, among others activities, two national projects aimed at
gender equality in the labour market were adopted: one is about reconciliation of professional and
private life and the other is about the vocational activation of women at the local and regional level.
On the question put by Slovenia on monitoring the gender equality system in Poland, the delegation
indicated and referred to the national monitoring programme, which is described in the leaflet
distributed to the delegations.
37. On the issue of criminal responsibility of minors, the delegation indicated that this concept
does not exist in the Polish legal system. It indicated that the Polish law only uses educational or
reformatory measures with respect to juveniles who seem to be demoralized or to have committed
punishable offences. Educational and correctional measures aim at helping parents and avoiding the
minor to be demoralized. On the question by Brazil concerning the electronic surveillance system,
the delegation informed that the law which creates the possibility of short-term sentences being
served outside prisons with the convict subject to electronic surveillance was adopted in 2007 and
will come into force on 1 July 2008.
38. Denmark noted that the national report indicates that Poland is striving to enhance the
efficiency of the judiciary focusing on the main challenges which include elimination of undue
court delays and prison overcrowding. In that regard, Denmark put forward a question on whether
measures are being undertaken to reduce the application of pre-trial detentions. Denmark also noted
that the human rights bodies such as CAT (2007) as well as a number of human rights organizations
have highlighted significant problems as regards overcrowding of prisons in Poland. In this respect,
while welcoming the various measures taken to tackle this issue by 2009, Denmark urged the
Government of Poland to give priority to implementation of outstanding necessary improvements of
prison conditions.
39. Sweden noted the comprehensive statement made by the head of the Polish delegation and
asked two follow-up questions and recommended further efforts in the following areas: civil society
organizations have reported continued discrimination against homosexual, lesbian, bisexual,
transgender and transsexual persons in Poland, as well as shortcomings on the part of the State in
dealing with such offences. Sweden referred to the national report’s mention of anti-discrimination
legislation the Government is preparing to present to Parliament, including with regard to sexual
orientation, as well as to training programmes for judicial staff. Sweden asked whether Poland
could elaborate on these and other measures it is taking to ensure full equality before the law of
individuals regardless of sexual orientation. As regards the issue of corporal punishment of
children, Sweden noted that there is no unequivocal legal prohibition of corporal punishment of
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