- 35 - bodies ensure that their decisions are consistent with the obligations contained in the Covenant. In this regard, the Committee recommends the provision of training programmes for the judiciary, the legal profession and other relevant bodies concerning the application of the Covenant. SWEDEN 134. At its 13th, 15th and 16th meetings on 9 and 10 May 1995, the Committee considered the third periodic report of Sweden on articles 1 to 15 of the Covenant (E/1994/104/Add.1), as well as the written replies to the list of issues prepared by the pre-sessional working group, and, at its 27th meeting on 18 May 1995, adopted the following concluding observations. A. Introduction 135. The Committee expresses its appreciation for the report and supplementary information submitted by the State party, as well as for the written replies to the list of issues, and welcomes the high level of the delegation representing the State party during the consideration of the report. The Committee expresses satisfaction at the quality of the dialogue established with the State party, which it considers to have been frank and highly constructive in enabling the Committee to gain a clear understanding of the extent of the State party’s compliance with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. B. Positive aspects 136. The Committee notes with satisfaction Sweden’s achievements to date in promoting economic stability and providing social benefits for most persons living within its territory. It welcomes the recent establishment of the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman and the previously noted Office of the Ombudsman against Ethnic Discrimination. It further notes with appreciation the high degree of attention being paid to human rights in the areas of education, overseas development assistance, and training of personnel involved in the administration of justice. 137. The Committee acknowledges the social assistance benefits being accorded to refugees, which include provision of temporary housing and other settlement benefits. 138. The Committee also notes the significant degree of autonomy granted to the Sami people, which is evident in the existence of a parliament elected by the Sami, in their education and in their cultural and economic activities. 139. The Committee welcomes the Government’s training policies to help the unemployed - particularly among young persons, the group which has been most affected by the economic recession - learn new skills to facilitate their return to the labour force. C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Covenant 140. The Committee takes note of Sweden’s reduced financial ability to continue its programmes of social security at the levels enjoyed in the past,