A/HRC/7/19/Add.4 page 13 language courses, history and culture. In this period, 4.5 per cent of the student population were studying in Russian, and 3.4 per cent in Polish. Funding at minority schools is substantially higher than for Lithuanian schools, on the order of 10 per cent more per student. 37. As concerns the promotion of tolerance and intercultural dialogue, the Special Rapporteur was also informed that Lithuania, through its Ministry of Culture, has put in place a strategy that focuses on four main principles: the promotion of minority cultures; the implementation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Convention on Cultural Diversity; the coordination of the European programme on dialogue among cultures; and the preparation of activities for 2009, when Vilnius will be the European capital of culture. For this particular celebration, the Ministry of Culture has planned a number of activities that emphasize the role of multiculturalism and intercultural dialogue as cornerstones of Lithuanian culture. Three broad principles are followed while implementing cultural policy: every member of society has the right to participate; Lithuanians and national communities have the right to preserve and foster their national culture; conditions are created to spread Lithuanian culture internationally and to familiarize Lithuanians with other nations’ cultures.6 38. The Minister of Social Security and Labour highlighted the importance of implementing EU directives on race, equality of chances and labour market. In what concerns the labour market, these new directives will allow for NGOs and other associations to file formal complaints that lead to judicial proceedings in cases of discrimination. The Minister also emphasized the advocacy role played by her Ministry in order to raise awareness among the population, particularly employers, regarding existing norms and legislation on non-discrimination. A particular project that was mentioned concerned the integration of refugees in the labour market, where targeted actions to promote tolerance towards incoming refugees and asylum-seekers are being developed. Finally, the Ministry stressed that the Government of Lithuania’s social policy is based on the cross-cutting concept of social solidarity, which is closely connected to a vision of tolerance and respect for diversity. C. Perceptions and reactions of State officials and government agencies 39. Most public authorities interviewed by the Special Rapporteur, including the Chairman of the Seimas, the President of the Supreme Court and various ministers, expressed the view that racism is not a widespread and structural phenomenon in Lithuania, but rather a problem reflected in isolated instances. In particular, these interlocutors emphasized that racism and discrimination do not exist in legislative or administrative acts in the country. The historical background of Lithuania as a multicultural society was emphasized in many of the meetings, where the underlying message was that this historical heritage contributes to a spirit of openness and respect for diversity. 40. The Special Rapporteur noted that many high-level authorities consider the existing legal instruments - in particular the Law on Equal Treatment and the Law on National Minorities - as an adequate framework to fight racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. The authorities have also praised the mandate and work of the Ombudspersons for 6 Ibid., para. 347.