E/CN.4/2005/18/Add.3 page 10 their reluctance, nevertheless gave a detailed description of the measures taken by the Government in general and by their own departments in particular to react to these events by combating discrimination and xenophobia. B. Measures taken by the Government 23. It is clear from the various meetings the Special Rapporteur had with official representatives that the Government has taken a number of steps to ensure greater enjoyment of human rights around the country and in particular to improve relations between the various communities living in Côte d’Ivoire. 24. The creation of a Ministry of Human Rights to draw up government policy on the protection of human rights and monitor its implementation is an important initiative by the Government. The Special Rapporteur had a working meeting with the Minister of Human Rights and several of her colleagues, at which the Minister provided various documents setting forth the Government’s position on the issue of discrimination and xenophobia in Côte d’Ivoire. She drew attention to the symbolic significance of the creation of the Ministry, although she noted with regret the inadequacy of its resources. The Ministry has adopted various measures and introduced a number of mechanisms for verifying allegations of human rights violations, establishing a dialogue with the population at large and seeking solutions. The Special Rapporteur was told, for example, of a telephone hotline that had been set up for use by anyone who might have suffered or witnessed a human rights violation. The Special Rapporteur’s visit also coincided with the Minister’s presentation to the Council of Ministers of a bill on the creation of a human rights commission, as provided for in the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement. The Council of Ministers has approved the bill, which must now be submitted to the National Assembly. The Minister also mentioned that she had begun discussions with the Council of Ministers on the establishment of an inter-ministerial mechanism that would take regular soundings of the inter-ethnic situation and coordinate the work of the various governmental actors. However, no decision has yet been taken. 25. The creation of a Ministry of National Reconciliation was described by the Government as sending an important political signal in the present context in Côte d’Ivoire. The Special Rapporteur had the opportunity to meet the Minister for National Reconciliation during his visit, and was informed that a matrix has been drawn up showing the grievances of the communities and the ways in which they would like them to be resolved. The Minister also mentioned that a seminar on compromise had been held recently. Local reconciliation committees have also been set up to gather the views and comments of minority communities to inform the Government’s decision-making process. 26. According to information provided to the Special Rapporteur by the Minister for African Integration, the Council of Ministers has approved the establishment of a decentralized system of committees to receive allegations of violations against nationals of countries of the subregion. 27. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has organized a series of training seminars for the forces of law and order, on the question of minorities. A programme for the restructuring of the relevant authorities is also envisaged.