E/CN.4/1997/71/Add.1 page 8 19. Article 246 of the Constitution confers jurisdiction on the indigenous communities, and article 171 provides for the introduction of a special Constituency for the election of two senators for the indigenous communities who must have held positions of traditional authority in their respective communities. 20. The new constitutional provisions, which attest to a policy of non-discrimination, thus pave the way for the gradual integration of the various components of the Colombian nation, integration which is apparent in some of the progress achieved. C. Progress achieved 21. There is, generally speaking, a growing awareness among the Colombian authorities at the national, departmental and municipal levels of the problems of Afro-Colombians and the indigenous populations. This has led to an effort to improve the participation and political representation of these communities and the establishment of ministerial or other departments responsible for examining their problems and finding solutions. The preparation of special economic and social development programmes forms part of this effort. 22. In accordance with the legislation in force (Act No. 115 of 1994), the Ministry of Education has prepared a National Ethnic Education Programme, which establishes a framework for the teaching of the languages and cultures of the various ethnic groups in the territories where they live. This programme will help to revive Afro-Colombian and Amerindian cultures and reverse the acculturation process that has been affecting the populations concerned. 10 23. National institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights are giving increasing attention to action to combat racism and racial discrimination. The national Ombudsman and the regional ombudsmen in Cali, Cartagena and Quibdo, for example, have begun human rights education programmes for the public, with emphasis on equality and non-discrimination. 1. Efforts in support of Afro-Colombian communities 24. The Black communities are thus beginning to participate in the national planning system. They are, in particular, expected to participate in the work of the National Planning Council through a representative whom they will have nominated to the Government. They will also be equitably represented on the regional planning councils. 25. As regards participation in the development planning bodies, the Black communities will be represented in the regional autonomous assemblies responsible for the areas where the collective ownership deeds will be distributed. 26. One of the bodies deemed to be essential to effective participation by the Black communities is the study commission appointed to draw up a development plan for the Black communities. The commission, established by Decree No. 2,314 of 1994, consists of five experts from the Black communities