A/67/293 78. European Union member States must set up equality bodies that address race and ethnicity in compliance with Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin. They are required to provide independent assistance to victims of discrimination on ethnic or religious grounds. They should also conduct independent surveys and publish reports and recommendations relating to discrimination. 35 Consequently, there is a relatively high number of dedicated equality institutions in Europe compared with other regions without such binding directives. Nevertheless, frequently, equality bodies focus primarily on non-discrimination and rarely give essential proactive and dedicated attention to minority issues. 79. National commissions exist in numerous countries and may be general bodies or address thematic or group specific issues. For example, the Government of Germany has established a model of minority commissioners who work to promote and ensure liaison between the Government and minorities. At the federal level, there is a commissioner for both national minorities and immigrants who reports to the Minister of the Interior. The Government of Slovenia highlighted its Commission for the Protection of the Roma Ethnic Community and its Commission for the Hungarian and Italian national minority communities, which have representatives from such minority groups. 80. Among other institutions of the Government of Austria, its Equal Treatment Commission is handling ethnic and religious discrimination cases, including those relating to employment and the workplace, and addressing such issues as access to employment, working conditions, harassment and freedom of religion. The Ombudsperson for Equal Treatment of Austria can intervene and negotiate with employers on discrimination cases and submit applications to the Commission. The Ombudsperson offers information on rights and equality, provides training and can impose penalties in cases of discrimination and harassment. 81. Besides its National Human Rights Commission, Nepal also has a National Dalit Commission, which was established in 2002 in recognition of the fact that caste discrimination and untouchability practices continue. It promotes implementation of national and international law and advocated for the Caste-based Discrimination and Untouchability Act, adopted in May 2011, which criminalized such discrimination in private and public spheres. Among its activities was the organization of a 100-day campaign against caste discrimination, in collaboration with the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal, launched in September 2011 by the President and the High Commissioner. IX. Conclusions and recommendations 82. The twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration provides an opportunity for States to consider practical measures for enhancing its implementation. Necessary efforts towards achieving positive and systematic change so as to ensure a culture and practice of minority rights and equality require political commitment and proactive approaches that are often lacking. While non-discrimination measures are essential, minority rights frequently __________________ 35 24 See http://www.equineteurope.org/564239.html. 12-45950