The third International Meeting in Warshaw Social sensitization – tolerance improving

Distolerance lack of respect for human dignity, his behavior and (or) illegal activity, derived from non-recognition of right to have different views, opinion, religion, belief or behavior, restriction of another's person rights or different moral and ethical standards.

Tolerance recognition and respect of the right to have different views, opinion, religion, belief or behavior, comply the same laws, the moral and ethical norms to another person, despite the differencies of views, opinions, beliefs and behaviors.

Council of Europe's Commission against Racism and Intolerance Third report about Lithuania (adopted on June 24, 2005) states that it is necessary to properly implement existing laws against racism, including incitement to racial hatred; adjust the criminal law against racist crime; take other measures, including the Lithuanian public awareness of discrimination and the need to fight with it.

United Nations special rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance, Doudou Diène 2008. 19 March. in his report recommends strengthening activities of fight with racism and discrimination, and to promote democratic multiculturalism, covering the new Lithuanian society minorities.

The purpose of Lithuania Republic Law on Equal Opportunities to ensure the implementation of the Lithuanian Constitution provisions of Article 29, establishing the equality of persons and the prohibition to restrict human rights and to provide him with benefits on basis of sex, race, nationality, language, origin, social status, religion, beliefs, or opinions, as well as European Union legislation and international law.

According to data of sociological research "Possible discrimination, and public tolerance for different social groups evaluation" carried out in 2012 by the Equal Opportunities controller, most residents would not want to live next to: Romani (59 percent of respondents) former prisoners (57 percent of respondents).

Lithuanian public awareness is still too low Only a small part of the population knows where to go for discrimination. Lack of measures for educational promotion of non-discrimination and consolidation of equal opportunities reducing discrimination in society.

Lithuanian public awareness is still too low There is a lack of researches which help uncover groups of persons who need legal protection, as well as to determine what measures should be taken to change the current situation of discrimination. Institutions and organizations which working in the area of equal opportunities and non-discrimination cooperation is too little.

Preparation of annual national equality and diversity awards Activities of this measure: there was organized a national contest "Let's be together" for schools in different languages, cooperation projects to promote knowledge of other cultures, financing; financing the qualification training seminars.

To inform society about equal opportunities and non-discrimination issues Activities of the measure: preparing articles about equal opportunities, non-discrimination promotion and respect for human, preparing relevant information about the equality legislation, distribution of publications, leaflets, posters, designed to develop respect for human beings and to reduce discrimination,

To inform society about equal opportunities and non-discrimination issues Activities of this measure: preparing television and radio shows, promotional campaign (video clips, short films), meetings with representatives of non- governmental organizations, which dealt with certain aspects of the prohibition of discrimination on which the recommendations are submitted the institutions of international human rights.

CSF "Garstyčios grūdas" contribution to public social sensitivity There were written 7 articles in the regional and national press about the charity's activities, the results of the social sensitization implementation and discrimination reducing for convicts and persons released from prison. On great celebrations there is organizing an open day in Alytus prison rehabilitation center "Oasis" for convict's relatives. Created website, where the public can read about the Fund's activities and results.

Thank you for your attention!