CERD/C/AZE/CO/4 page 4 15. The Committee notes with concern the State party’s explanation that despite the legislative provisions providing for the right to effective protection and remedies, no cases invoking the relevant provisions of the Criminal Code concerning racial discrimination have been brought before the courts (art. 6). The Committee requests the State party to include in its next periodic report statistical information on prosecutions launched, and penalties imposed, in cases of offences that relate to racial discrimination and where the relevant provisions of the existing domestic legislation have been applied. The Committee reminds the State party that the mere absence of complaints and legal action by victims of racial discrimination may be largely an indication of the absence of relevant specific legislation, a lack of awareness of the availability of legal remedies, or insufficient will by the authorities to prosecute. It is therefore essential to provide for the relevant provisions in national legislation and to inform the public of the availability of all legal remedies in the field of racial discrimination. 16. The Committee regrets the lack of information on measures taken by the State party to enhance better understanding, respect and tolerance among different ethnic groups living in Azerbaijan, in particular, on programmes adopted, if any, to ensure intercultural education (art. 7). The Committee recommends that the State party adopt measures to promote intercultural understanding and education between ethnic groups, and provide more detailed information on this issue in its next periodic report. 17. The Committee, while noting the information provided by the delegation, remains of the view that measures taken to educate the public, law enforcement officials, members of political parties and media professionals on the provisions of the Convention could be strengthened (art. 7). The Committee encourages the State party to expand and strengthen existing efforts regarding human rights education. Furthermore, particular attention should be paid to general recommendation XIII, according to which law enforcement officials should receive specific training to ensure that, in the performance of their duties, they respect and protect the human rights of all persons without distinction as to race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin. 18. The Committee notes the lack of sufficient information on efforts taken by the State party to involve non-governmental organizations in the preparation of the periodic report and is concerned about the ability of civil society organizations, including organizations working to combat racial discrimination, to operate freely. The Committee underlines the importance of the role of civil society in the full implementation of the Convention and recommends to the State party that it promote the free functioning of civil society organizations that contribute to promoting human rights and combating racial discrimination. Furthermore,