E/CN.4/2002/24 page 40 F. Sweden 95. In its communication of 24 October 2001, the Swedish Government transmitted to the Special Rapporteur a national plan of action to combat racism, xenophobia, homophobia and discrimination, including discrimination on grounds of ethnic origin. This plan, which was submitted to the Swedish parliament on 7 February 2001, comprises a large number of educational, legislative and administrative measures. Among the measures which attracted the attention of the Special Rapporteur were: (a) The instructions given by the Government to the national education authority to conduct activities to strengthen educational methods for combating xenophobia and racism; this element should be integrated in the continuing training of teachers. The plan of action emphasizes that “the basic values expressed in the curricula shall provide a basis and guidance for all work in pre-schools, pre-school classes, after-school centres, compulsory schools and adult education. No one, child or adult, should have to suffer offensive treatment. All indications of harassment must be combated. Xenophobia must be countered with knowledge and awareness, discussion and active measures”; (b) The plan to introduce a general law on all forms of discrimination (on grounds of ethnic or racial origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability) so as to coordinate all relevant Swedish legislation, which is currently dispersed within several laws. The Swedish Government considers that this initiative is likely to create greater public awareness of the illegal nature of discriminatory conduct and thereby ensure better protection against discrimination; (c) The establishment of local anti-discrimination offices and local groups for the prevention of xenophobic or racist offences. Local anti-discrimination offices will be established in the cities of Trollhättan, Norrköping, Malmö, Lund, Göteborg and Sundsvall/Härnösand; they will be headed by volunteers who are already members of associations. The groups for the prevention of xenophobic or racist offences comprise representatives of local communities, the police and associations which endeavour to monitor and combat the activities of racist or xenophobic individuals, movements or groups; (d) The inclusion of an anti-discrimination clause in public invitations to tender. The Parliamentary Committee on Public Procurement is analysing means whereby the public sector could include anti-discrimination clauses in procurement agreements. This will prevent companies selected from practising discrimination in carrying out public contracts. Public-sector procurement as a whole amounts to approximately SKr 300. 96. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the Swedish Government’s efforts to prevent and combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and invites all Governments to formulate a national plan to combat these phenomena, notably in the context of the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.