CERD/C/GTM/CO/11 page 3 Racism against Indigenous Peoples in Guatemala and the Ministry of Education. 13. While the Committee recognizes that the classification of discrimination as an offence under article 202 bis of the Criminal Code constitutes legal progress, it regrets that there is no domestic legislation that specifically prohibits and provides sanctions for racial discrimination. (art. 4, subpara. (a)). The Committee recommends that the State party adopt specific legislation classifying as a punishable act any dissemination of ideas based on notions of superiority or racial hatred, incitement to racial discrimination, and violent acts directed against indigenous peoples and persons of African descent in the State party. 14. While the Committee notes the progress that has been made in preventing racial discrimination in the administration of justice in respect of indigenous peoples, it reiterates its concern at the problems experienced by indigenous peoples in gaining access to the justice system, particularly because the indigenous legal system is not recognized and applied and because of the lack of interpreters and bilingual counsel available for court proceedings. (art. 5, subpara. (a)). The Committee reminds the State party of its General Recommendation 31 on the prevention of racial discrimination in the administration and functioning of the criminal justice system (para. 5 (e)), which calls on the State party to ensure respect for, and recognition of the traditional systems of justice of indigenous peoples, in conformity with international human rights law. The Committee also recommends that the State party guarantee the right of indigenous peoples to the use of interpreters and bilingual counsel in court proceedings. 15. The Committee is concerned at violence, including domestic violence against indigenous women. (art. 5, subpara. (b)). Bearing in mind its General Recommendation 25, the Committee recommends that the State party guarantee indigenous women access to the justice system. Furthermore, it recommends that the State party adopt the bill classifying sexual harassment as an offence, and that the commission of such an offence against an indigenous woman shall constitute an aggravating circumstance. 16. The Committee notes with concern the low level of participation, especially by indigenous women, in political life and in particular the lack of representation in Congress of the Xinca and Garifuna peoples. The Committee is likewise concerned by the absence of any specific reference to indigenous political participation in the Elections and Political Parties Act (art. 5, subpara. (c)). The Committee, bearing in mind paragraph 4 (d) of its general recommendation 23, recommends that the State party redouble its efforts to ensure the full participation of indigenous peoples, especially