CERD/C/TUR/CO/3 page 6 teaching of these languages, and consider means of strengthening the involvement of the members of the local communities in decision-making in this field. 21. The Committee notes the lack of information on the practical application of criminal and other legislation aimed at eliminating racial discrimination, and that according to the State party’s report and the replies to the list of issues and questions, there have been no complaints or court decisions in civil or administrative proceedings concerning acts of racial discrimination during the reporting period (article 2 (1) (d) and 6). The Committee, considering that no country is free from racial discrimination, urges the State party to investigate why there have been no complaints of such discrimination. Recalling its general recommendation No. 31 (2005) on the prevention of racial discrimination in the administration and functioning of the criminal justice system, the Committee recommends that the State party verify that the lack of such complaints is not the result of lack of effective remedies enabling victims to seek redress, victims’ lack of awareness of their rights, fear of reprisals, lack of confidence in the police and judicial authorities, or lack of attention or sensitivity to cases of racial discrimination on the part of the authorities. The Committee requests the State party to provide in its next report updated information on complaints about acts of racial discrimination and on decisions taken in civil or administrative court proceedings. Such information should include the number and nature of cases brought, convictions obtained and sentences imposed, and any restitution or other remedies provided to victims of such acts. 22. While welcoming the extensive training provided for judges, prosecutors and police officers on human rights in general, the Committee regrets the comparatively limited attention given in training programmes to the specific issues covered by the Convention (article 6). The Committee encourages the State party to strengthen its efforts to provide training for judges, prosecutors, lawyers and police officers to increase their awareness of the content and importance of the Convention at the national level. 23. The Committee notes that the Penal Code does not include any general provision stipulating that racist motivation should be taken into account as a specific aggravating circumstance for the purpose of sentencing in relevant crimes (article 6). The Committee recommends that the State party include in its domestic criminal legislation a specific provision to ensure that the motive of ethnic, racial or religious hatred is taken into account as an aggravating circumstance in proceedings under the criminal law. 24. The Committee notes that the State party provided only a brief response to the question on the activities, methods of work and challenges faced by the Minority Issues Assessment Board established to address and resolve difficulties encountered by Turkish citizens belonging