E/CN.4/2000/16 page 6 6. The contributions received from non-governmental organizations (Amnesty International, December 12 Movement International Secretariat, Espace Afro-Américain, European Roma Rights Centre and SOS-Racismo Catalogna) were incorporated into chapter III (or into chapter IV when they concerned allegations). A. Belarus 7. The authorities of the Republic of Belarus have declared that the Public Prosecutor’s Office has not filed criminal proceedings against officials or individuals for acts of incitement to national, racial or religious discord, or any other manifestations of intolerance. The authorities have further recalled that the Constitution and laws of Belarus guarantee the right of equality of all persons, including foreigners and stateless persons, residing permanently in the country. 8. As regards measures by the Government to reinforce prevention of deliberate acts designed to stir up national, racial or religious hatred or discord or to undermine dignity or national honour, or acts aimed at granting privileges or restricting rights directly or indirectly based on race or national origin, a draft revision of the penal code was adopted at first reading on 17 December 1997 by the Chamber of Representatives of the National Assembly and submitted to the Chamber of Representatives for consideration at a second reading. 9. The draft provides for the prosecution and punishment of acts such as: (a) Genocide, that is to say, acts committed with the aim of destroying a national, ethnic, racial or religious group; (b) Incitement to racial, national or religious hatred or discord; (c) Violation of the rights of citizens to equality under the law; (d) The establishment of groups or organizations that cause injury to persons or infringe the rights of citizens; (e) Crimes committed against one or more representatives of any segment of the civilian population in the context of an attack relating to the national, ethnic or racial origin of that segment of the population or to its political or religious views. B. Cyprus 10. The Government of Cyprus indicates, inter alia, that although it has no body responsible for minority matters, it has an ombudsman who is competent to take cognizance of complaints from persons who consider that their fundamental rights have been violated. A National Human Rights Institute has also been established, comprising government officials, non-governmental organizations and members of Parliament. One of its basic functions is to investigate complaints from individuals who consider that their rights have been violated. It also submits proposals to the Government to amend laws when their provisions do not conform to human rights standards.