FORUM ON MINORITY ISSUES Minorities in the criminal justice system 8' session, 24-25 November 2015 Item 2 - Legal framework and key concepts Statement by the Permanent Representative of Lithuania, Ambassador Rytis Paulauskas Mr. President, Lithuania is a multicultural country. For centuries, it has been home to various nationalities, cultures, and religions. The existence of a historical multicultural tradition is an invaluable foundation for the promotion of tolerance in today's Lithuania. Non-discrimination on the grounds of race and nationality is a constitutional principle in Lithuania and the state is firmly determined to implement it. In November 2014, following the implementation of the Government's programme and commitments vis-a-vis national minorities, the Department of National Minorities under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania was established. The Department started its activities as of 1 July 2015 and is responsible for the analysis of ethno-politics and development of strategy, programmes and projects. The establishment of the Department will undoubtedly help to better satisfy the needs of national minorities and support the preservation of their national identity. When it comes to the rights of persons belonging to minorities in the criminal justice system, procedural rights are guaranteed to the victims of racial discrimination and xenophobia in all cases without exception in accordance with the main provisions of the Constitution, the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the European Convention on Human Rights. The procedural status of the victim in pre-trial investigations and criminal proceedings