E/CN.4/1995/78 page 18 twice a year. The fight against interregional and international xenophobic and right-wing extremist activities is conducted in the appropriate international bodies as well as at the bilateral level. 83. In 1978, political education as a "general objective" (to be borne in mind by teachers of all subjects) was introduced into the syllabuses of all Austrian schools. (Political education is a specific compulsory subject in vocational schools of all types.) Political education is based on an understanding of democracy committed to the values of peace, freedom, equality and justice with a strong emphasis on human rights. 84. In late December 1993, a Working Group on Xenophobia was set up in the Federal Ministry for Science and Research. Its task is to develop a strategic concept on this topic which is to serve as the basis for a focused research operation in the Ministry. The general consensus is that traditional theories (referring to the "authoritarian personality", etc.) are not enough to get an adequate grip on the phenomenon of xenophobia. What is also stressed is the need to approach this set of problems from an interdisciplinary perspective. The problems to be addressed include xenophobia and the media, the socio-psychological causes of xenophobia, xenophobia in specific social groups, xenophobia in the context of traditional forms of racism, xenophobia and the Nazi past, and strategic use of that past. 85. A large number of private institutions, associations and citizens’ groups offer contacts and information on social and psychological help available to individuals and groups. As far as assistance to refugees from the former Yugoslavia is concerned, the central significance of Caritas under Monsignor Helmut Schüller is universally recognized. Many parishes in all Austrian dioceses also provide help, primarily of a humanitarian nature. But it is only in a small number of matters that these services are cooperating. The setting up of a network of contacts throughout Austria would certainly be desirable. 3. Assessment of the effectiveness of these measures 86. For historically understandable reasons, very tough criminal sanctions (imprisonment for between five years and life) were introduced when the Prohibition Act was adopted in 1945. Offences under the Prohibition Act are heard by courts of assizes. Judicial practice over the following decades gradually showed that the very severity of the penalties made juries reluctant to convict in cases where they considered the accused to be guilty but did not think the sentence should be quite so harsh. The fight against "petty" offenders in particular was greatly hampered by these mandatory long prison terms. The reduction of the minimum sentence to one year now enables juries to respond to violations of the Prohibition Act with adequate sentences. The upper limits for sentencing remain unchanged, but should only be resorted to where required by the particularly dangerous character of the offender or of his acts.