E/CN.4/1999/15 page 12 38. In 1997, the Ministry of Labour focused on improving immigrants' ability to operate in society. In cooperation with civic organizations, it organized training sessions at which immigrants learned about association activities, fund raising, project planning, etc. Civic organizations were very active in this project and many of them added various kinds of training courses for immigrants to their action plans. 39. A training session for immigrants, NGO activists and various authorities was organized jointly with the Finnish Red Cross in April 1997 to raise awareness of discrimination against ethnic groups, discuss how to prevent it and encourage people to take local initiatives to monitor and prevent discrimination. 40. The Ministry of Labour and the Advisory Board on Refugee and Migration Affairs have participated in surveys on attitudes towards immigrants. A study financed by various ministries on attitudes of civil servants involved in refugee and migration affairs in the ministries dealing with these affairs was launched in spring 1998. 4. Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations (ETNO) 41. The Advisory Board on Refugee and Migration Affairs is currently called the Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations (ETNO). The change of name reflects the fact that the scope of ETNO's tasks has been broadened. ETNO serves as a broadly-based advisory body in affairs relating to refugees, migration, racism and ethnic relations. The Advisory Board's mandate lasts from 15 May 1998 to 14 May 2001. 42. As a cross-administrative body, the Board assists the ministries in coordinating refugee and migration affairs and developing, planning and monitoring refugee and migration policy. It also promotes interaction between authorities, civic organizations working in the field, immigrants and ethnic minorities. It has created, developed and supported measures to promote immigrants' integration into society, as well as tolerance and good ethnic relations in society, especially in working life. 43. Equality before the law, as provided for in section 5 of the Constitution (969/1995), applies to all persons within the jurisdiction of Finland regardless of nationality. According to article 11, paragraph 3, of the Constitution, it is the duty of public authorities to promote opportunities for individuals to participate in the activities of society and influence the decisions which affect them. Furthermore, according to article 14, paragraph 2, the Sami, as an indigenous people, as well as the Roma and other groups, have the right to maintain and develop their own languages and cultures. 44. The Roma and the Sami have their own bodies of representation, but the Advisory Board also consults these groups in matters concerning all ethnic minorities, for example at its annual meeting. Representatives of the minorities are also invited to attend working group meetings to enhance cooperation and communication and provide them with opportunities to influence decision-making.