- 46 - inter alia, for the development of indicators for measuring racial discrimination and improving the collection of statistical data concerning racial violence and harassment. 211. The Committee commends the devolution of responsibility to the Sami Assembly with regard to matters relating to the preservation and development of the culture of the members of the Sami community, and notes with appreciation that the Sami language may be used in contacts with public bodies and before the courts. 212. The Committee welcomes the adoption of the policy and the specific steps taken by the Government with a view to integrating persons with disabilities into the labour market by offering them active vocational rehabilitation measures rather than passive social security benefits. 213. The Committee welcomes the Government’s policies to combat unemployment, particularly long-term unemployment and unemployment among young people, through job-creation and qualification schemes, and through close cooperation with employers’ and employees’ organizations. 214. The Committee expresses its satisfaction with the Norwegian social security system, which ensures that all persons resident or working in Norway are insured under the National Insurance Scheme and that all residents are covered by the Family Allowance Act. 215. The Committee commends the efforts undertaken by the authorities to tackle the problem of domestic violence and child abuse and, in this respect, welcomes the setting up of crisis centres, crisis-telephone lines and support centres to help victims. 216. The Committee notes that, as a measure to ensure the access of everyone to health services, the Government has made it an obligation for newly graduated doctors and dentists to serve one year in public health institutions in certain isolated parts of Norway. 217. With regard to the protection of the health of minors, the Committee takes notes with appreciation of the policies aimed at fighting alcoholism and smoking, particularly discouraging minors to have access to alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. 218. The Committee welcomes the National Geriatric Programme aimed at strengthening geriatric services throughout the country, through the recruitment of specialized personnel and improvement of the cooperation between hospitals and community geriatric-care services. 219. The Committee welcomes the policy of integration of children with disabilities within the regular educational system, as well as the results thus attained. 220. The Committee welcomes the introduction of courses relating to human rights, in particular on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in the curricula of civics and social studies.

Select target paragraph3