اللجنة المعنية بالحقوق الاقتصادية والاجتماعية والثقافية تختتم النظر في تقرير سلوفينيا

Committee on Economic, Social      
and Cultural Rights

19 November 2014

The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights today concluded its consideration of the second periodic report of Slovenia on how the country implements the provisions of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Martina Vuk, State Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, presenting the report, said that it was the result of intensive coordination between ministries and other Government institutions, and had been discussed with social partners and other civil society stakeholders.  There had been several new developments, including a number of political changes.  The Government would do its very best to retain the needed social protection schemes, including for the most vulnerable.  Slovenia had undergone a severe financial and economic crisis as had many other countries.  The Government had had to take several austerity measures with a view to stabilizing public finances.  It was stressed that these measures had been carefully considered in order not to affect the most vulnerable groups. 

During the interactive dialogue, Committee Experts raised and enquired about issues relating to, among others, the impact of austerity measures; unemployment, including youth unemployment; the minimum wage and how it was determined; erasure; gender discrimination and discrimination against persons with disabilities, Roma, and persons with HIV; family violence; the status of national and ethnic minorities; tackling of corruption; domestic violence; and housing policy.

In concluding remarks, Ms. Vuk said that Slovenia was aware of challenges that would have to be faced.  In its replies, Slovenia had attempted to provide all the answers Thanks were expressed for the fruitful and constructive work.  Recommendations would be taken very seriously and Slovenia would try to implement as many of them as possible.

Azzouz Kerdoun, Vice-Chair and Country Rapporteur for the report of Slovenia, also in concluding remarks, thanked the delegation for its very fruitful cooperation with the Committee.  They were talking about a gradual process.  The measures taken by Slovenia were significant and it was encouraged to continue these efforts.  Some things still had to be done, particularly regarding vulnerable persons, such as persons with disabilities and the Roma, and on poverty.  The determination to move forward had however been noted, and this would be taken into account by the Committee. 

In his concluding remarks, Zdzislaw Kedzia, Chairperson of the Committee, said he had been impressed by the quality of responses and information provided by the delegation, as well as its cooperative and constructive spirit.  It had been an enjoyable exchange.  The Committee saw the dialogue as a sort of a mutual learning process.  It was hoped that the delegation had a better picture of matters of concerns from the Committee’s perspective

The delegation of Slovenia included representatives of the Ministry of Labour, Family Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, the Government Office for National Minorities, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Culture, the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Health, the Permanent Mission of Slovenia to the United Nations Office at Geneva, and interpreters.

The Committee will resume its meeting this afternoon at 3 p.m., to begin consideration of the third periodic report of Nepal (E/C.12/NPL/3).

Report

The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is considering the second periodic report of Slovenia (E/C.12/SVN/2).

Presentation of the Report

MARTINA VUK, State Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities of Slovenia, presenting the report, said that it was the result of intensive coordination between Ministries and other Government institutions.  It had also been discussed with social partners and other civil society stakeholders.  Popular human rights demands and demands for democratization were at the very heart of Slovenia’s struggle for independence, and for well over 20 years, human rights had been among the top priorities for its foreign policy.  Slovenia believed its efforts internationally should go hand in hand with efforts to improve the human rights situation at home. 

There had been several new developments, including a number of political changes.  In the new National Assembly, 32 out of 90 elected members were women, which was the highest percentage in the history of Slovenia.  Similarly, 7 out of a total of 17 ministerial positions in the new Government that were sworn in in September were held by women.  The coalition agreement of the new Government put forward several proposals aimed at increasing the enjoyment of human rights, such as the establishment of a Governmental Council for Human Rights, strengthening the Advocate for Equal Opportunities and enhancing dialogue with civil society, including in preparation of legislative proposals.  The Government would do its very best to retain the needed social protection schemes, including for the most vulnerable. 

Slovenia had undergone a severe financial and economic crisis like many other countries.  The Government had had to take several austerity measures with a view to stabilizing public finances.  In the area of economic, social and cultural rights, there was a need to mention the Act on Balancing of Public Finances.  It was stressed that these measures had been carefully considered in order not to affect the most vulnerable groups.  The majority of measures in the social field had targeted recipients of transfers with highest incomes, while not affecting the benefits of the lowest income groups.

Slovenia had taken several measures to resolve the status of persons erased from the Register of Permanent Residents.  A law regulating their status was passed in 2010 and gave the erased the possibility to regulate their status and obtain permanent residence permit from the erasure onwards.  A special compensation scheme took effect in June 2014 according to which eligible persons could claim compensation through an administrative procedure or through a judicial procedure. 

The Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Act, adopted in 2010, was a significant step forward towards eliminating discrimination against persons with disabilities.  The Act regulated the protection of such persons, particularly the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability and measures to guarantee equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.  In 2011, the National Assembly had adopted a Declaration on the status of members of national groups belonging to nations of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and a Governmental Council of national groups of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia had subsequently been established.  The Government had launched a new draft law on same-sex civil partnerships, which was currently in public discussion. 

The process of inter-ministerial co-ordination in the preparation of the ratification of the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, the Istanbul Convention, was in its final stages and it was hoped to be ratified by the end of this year.

Questions by Experts

AZZOUZ KERDOUN, Vice-Chairperson and Country Rapporteur for the report of Slovenia, hoped that this would be a constructive dialogue.  The replies had been somewhat lacking in statistics, which were needed to properly assess the situation.  Slovenia had not ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.  Was there an intention to ratify it in the near future?  Other than the Ombudsman, was there an intention to create a national human rights institution that met the Paris Principles?  There seemed to be a fairly serious problem of corruption in the country.  How many persons were currently being investigated?
What were the powers of the Commission on Corruption, asked an Expert?  It would be interesting to know whether there had been any trials held or any convictions reached.
A serious issue to be addressed was the situation of Roma.  There was clear evidence of segregation affecting Roma across the board, notably in terms of housing and education.  It seemed that work had been done on improving the Slovenians’ enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, but it also seemed that there were still a lot of outstanding problems.  An Expert asked about the options that were open to the group of erased persons living outside of Slovenia, who wished to return?  How was the work of the Advocate for Equal Opportunities coordinated with the work of the Ombudsman?
In 2004, Slovenia had acknowledged its responsibility as a developed country to promote international cooperation through official development assistance contributions, which had been a welcomed decision.  However, it was regrettable that in 2013, Slovenia had contributed only 0.13 per cent of Gross Domestic Product to official development assistance.  What plans did Slovenia have to raise the level of official development assistance to reach its United Nations and European Union commitments?
How many comments had been received by non-governmental organizations during the preparation of the report, and how many of these had been incorporated in the report, asked an Expert?  Was the financial crisis over yet?  Were there plans to go back to ordinary economic status? 
An Expert said there was information that in May last year, there had been quite severe cuts to the civil service budget.  What had the wage cuts been and what had the impact been?  How was the increase of pressure on employment benefits being handled, asked another Expert?  What happened to recipients of benefits after the period of entitlement ended?
According to information available, there were ministerial regulations that were supposed to have been adopted to regulate issues such as accessibility of goods and services as well as housing for persons with disabilities.  When did the Government intend to adopt the regulations? 
On youth unemployment, there was a serious problem in Slovenia, like many countries.  Apart from very high figures of youth unemployment, there was also a rise in various precarious forms of employment.  Was the Government working on comprehensive and systematic measures to combat this?  What was the level of the minimum wage in 2013 and 2014, and how did this compare with the minimum cost of living?
AZZOUZ KERDOUN, Vice-Chairperson and Country Rapporteur for the report of Slovenia, said there were measures that could be taken to include migrant workers, so that they too may enjoy economic, social and cultural rights.  What was the percentage of irregular migrants?  Despite the fact that a 2010 law existed regulating the labour market, there was still discrimination against young people entering the labour market, and stigmatization of persons living with HIV in recruitment for jobs.  Were the needs of persons in this category of persons taken into account? 
Response by the Delegation
On direct implementation of the Covenant in the work of the courts, the delegation said  there were cases in which courts directly invoked the Covenant, but there were not many, as articles of international treaties were implemented in legislation.  On the participation of civil society in drafting the report, data would be made available on how many comments had been received and how many had been included in the report. 
On the impact of the crisis and austerity measures adopted, 2014 would be the first year in which economic growth would be measured.  The crisis however had not fully been exited in a way to abolish measures taken.
Regarding the status of the erased, the amendment adopted in 2010 regulated the issue.  The Constitutional Court had adjudicated that the amendment do away with the irregularity and address issues linked to the erased, including the status of children.  The amendment allowed that category of persons to obtain residence, including those that did not live in Slovenia. 
Regarding official development assistance, commitments stood but the timeline would have to be readjusted, due to the severe financial crisis.  The target dates for the future would depend on the speed of economic recovery.  Despite limited fiscal resources available, the rate had remained stable at 0.13 per cent GNI. 
The Commission for Corruption tackled and prevented corruption by accepting complaints or reports and conducting an administrative investigation or inquiry.  It could request documents, but could not carry out any police powers.  It had powers in the field of integrity, lobbying, the conflict of interest, and was also a focal point in the field of corruption.  It took part in various international projects and conducted analyses, surveys and misdemeanour procedures. 
The Advocate for Equal Opportunities was appointed by the Government for a period for five years and was completely independent.  The independent financial side was not well regulated and work would be done to improve this.  The human rights ombudsman was a constitutional post and was responsible when it came to any potential violations of human rights in the public sector; the Advocate dealt with cases of discrimination in the private as well as public sector.
The Roma community in Slovenia was one of the vulnerable groups.  A law was adopted by Parliament in 2007 as the Constitution did not regulate all aspects of the Roma issue.  In 2010, the Government had adopted a national programme on measures for Roma, for the period 2010-2015.
About a month ago, two rules had been adopted, enabling the visually impaired, the deaf and hearing impaired, with technical appliances to facilitate their participation in society and to lead independent lives.  Accessibility was provided in various ways.  When it came to health, the name of a medicine also had to be written in braille, for example.  According to statistics, in 2008, prior to the crisis, 3.9 per cent of all employed were persons with disabilities.  In 2012, this percentage was 3.82 per cent.  It was true that this percentage was not high enough and a number of measures had been adopted to promote the employment of persons with disabilities.
Work would be done on the Family Code that had been rejected in a popular referendum.  Next year, a special working group would address the protection of children.
Questions by Experts
On erasure and the group of persons that had not had the possibility to regularize themselves, what was their status?  
It was rather strange that there were no cases on the grounds of sexual discrimination, noted an Expert.  What this correct?  Could disaggregated statistics be provided on the grounds of discrimination in complaints received?  What was the focus of the current strategy on gender equality? 
Response by the Delegation
On erasure, this had resulted in the loss of permanent residence but not in the loss of citizenship.  Erasure resulted in persons no longer being entitled to rights related to permanent residence, but not other rights.  On persons that still did not have status, a three year period had been provided in which these persons could obtain a residence permit under mitigated conditions.  Those that had not yet submitted applications within this three year period could still do so pursuant to the Aliens Act.  
There was now a Minister responsible for the field of equal opportunities.  The strategy for gender equality was being prepared.  It would be presented to all stakeholders and discussed by various committees, and then submitted to Parliament. 
Questions by Experts
An Expert asked whether poverty statistics had improved since 2010 and 2011.
Requested information had not been provided on the impact of the implementation of the 2011-2016 national programme on mental health.  Was the programme already in force and what was the impact?
When would a comprehensive housing policy be adopted, which catered for the housing needs of all of Slovenia’s residents, without any discrimination?  Why was housing available only to citizens?  What measures had been taken to provide adequate housing for Roma, who continued to live in informal settlements in extremely poor housing conditions?  As they had no security of tenure, they were vulnerable to forced eviction.  What had happened to settlements that had been threatened with clearance and demolition orders? 
An Expert had difficulty in analysing tables provided in the report regarding domestic violence.  What was the definition of domestic violence?  Did it include all violence in the family?
On reconciliation of professional and family life, it seemed that in spite of efforts, there was still a low percentage of men that took paternity leave.  It appeared that austerity measures had impacted family allowances.  Could an assessment of the situation be made?  Was there a legal definition of the term ‘family’ in the legislation of Slovenia, asked another Expert? 
AZZOUZ KERDOUN, Vice-Chairperson and Country Rapporteur for the report of Slovenia, said that, taking into account the disparity among regions, there was the problem of food security and the protection of arable and agricultural lands.  The least wealthy regions were being left behind.  What was being considered in terms of measures to enhance the level of food security and in so-doing guarantee the protection of arable and agricultural lands?
Information available showed there were many school drop-out among Roma children, said an Expert.  Could statistical information be provided on drop-out rates at various levels of education?  Had factors such as social conditions leading to school drop-outs been taken into account?  Was there information on the illiteracy rate of Roma children?
Parliament had adopted a declaration on national and ethnic minorities, recalled an Expert.  What was the status of ethnic or national minorities in Slovenia? 
AZZOUZ KERDOUN, Vice-Chairperson and Country Rapporteur for the report of Slovenia, said it seemed that Slovenia had increased the fee for registration for higher education.  Why was that?  Was there any intention of lowering the level of that fee?  It was said that measures taken concerning research and development were to develop a strategy to cover the period 2011-2020.  Could a better idea be given of what the overall goal situation was, other than excellence? 
Response by the Delegation
It was pointed out that when it came to migrant workers in Slovenia, they enjoyed the same rights as employed Slovenian citizens.  The crisis had reduced the number of migrant workers.  The Law on the Employment of Aliens had increased the level of protection of migrant workers and provided the minimum standards for their placement.
Slovenia was bound by austerity measures, but all measures adopted in the public sector were adopted in coordination with social partners.  Wages had been moderately reduced.  There had been termination of the employment of public employees that had fulfilled retirement conditions.  No drastic or radical measures had been adopted.  The minimum wage, which was now at 789 Euros, was defined by law and had to be respected by employers.  There was no intention for this minimum wage to be reduced. 
On coordinating the report with the general public, the delegation was not in possession of exact data on the number of comments received and how many were incorporated in the report.  However, prior to the adoption of any such document, a public debate had to be held and the document had to be published for the public to read.  In the next report, the number of comments made and incorporated into the report would be provided.

A great majority of rights, especially social rights which were important for vulnerable groups, were today linked to permanent residence in Slovenia.  Citizenship was no longer the pre-condition for most of these rights.  A distinction was not made between Slovenian, European Union citizens or other citizens when it came to permanent residence, which was the decisive factor.

A project had been conducted in 2010 within which the Advocate for Equal Opportunities’ webpage had been renovated.  An education tool had been developed to raise awareness of non-discrimination.  All Ministries and non-governmental organizations had been working on the issue, including awareness raising on addresses that one could turn to.  Slovenia considered the protection of personal data as paramount. Collection of data disaggregated by factors such as ethnicity or religion was therefore generally not permitted. Some violations of discrimination on the grounds of gender had been recorded by the Advocate.

The situation of the labour market had seriously worsened as a result of the crisis, mostly affecting young people.   A youth scheme had been adopted, whereby young persons aged 15 to 29 that were unemployed were given the opportunity to undertake apprenticeships or learning programmes for four months, and could consult with advisors. 

On the withdrawal or cancellation of social assistance, this could happen, but only in cases defined by law, for example if a person voluntarily relinquished their job.
With respect to HIV, in the last 10 years, 377 persons were diagnosed with HIV – the rate of infection in Slovenia was therefore relatively low.  A special body had been established within the Ministry of Health which monitored the HIV situation, and the programmes were part of the National Strategy for the Prevention of HIV 2010-2015.  The focus of the Strategy was on the general public and vulnerable groups, such as prisoners and intravenous drug users.  In Slovenia, everyone was entitled free of charge to anonymous HIV tests.  It was a fact that so far, on the labour market, no discrimination in this regard had been detected.

Follow-up Questions by Experts

On workers and unemployment, this had been greatly impacted on by the economic slowdown, said an Expert.  There was no mention of the impact of privatization.  Had this not been given due importance?  What was the criterion on the basis of which the minimum wage was determined? How was unemployment measured?

An Expert noted that social security benefits were determined on the basis of the minimum income, which in 2013 was believed to be at 265 Euros, while the poverty line was at 600 Euros.  So how was this about twice less than the poverty line?

Response by the Delegation

Indeed, the unemployment situation was not only a result of external factors but also of structural problems which the government hoped to address. The unemployment rate was calculated according to the International Labour Organization methodology.  There was 19 per cent unemployment among youth, and the general unemployment rate amounted to 9.1 per cent.  The minimum wage amounted to 789 Euros and it was annually indexed to the increase of the cost of living.  Labour rights were always coordinated with social partners.  The final decision was made after this coordination.  The number of beneficiaries of social benefits and the amount of funds earmarked had increased greatly as 50,000 persons had no other source or means of subsistence.  The amount was not fixed and various weights were applied depending.  This weighting had been increased especially for vulnerable groups, such as single parent families.

The risk of poverty on the basis of low income had increased in 2012 by one percent from 2011.  An analysis of the impact of new legislation and austerity measures had been conducted and showed that vulnerable groups, such as single parent families or families where one or both parents were unemployed were most severely affected.  Last year, legislation had been amended to improve their situation.  Slovenia tried to tackle issues as they sprung up.  An analysis of the social situation for the period of 2013 and 2014 was being prepared.  The document would be provided in December 2014 and discussed by Parliament and stakeholders. 

Concerning house evictions, data showed that last year there were 330 evictions.  However, it was stressed that not only apartments were being spoken of, but also other property.  In Slovenia, people rarely took out mortgages.  Forced evictions because persons could no longer pay their loans were not frequent in Slovenia.  Municipalities, as the owners of non-profit rental apartments, did not resort to forced evictions.  In rare cases when they did so, occupants were moved to another apartment, or to so-called residential units.  Residential units were unique in Slovenia.  The State had decided to define the smallest, still adequate standards for a human being when it came to residence.  It was an apartment with a smaller number of square metres to the norm, but the unit fulfilled all construction requirements.  What was characteristic of these units was that toilets or bathrooms were not within the apartment but were for instance located further down the hall.  Living in a container was not possible in Slovenia. Any placement in residential units was just a temporary solution, until occupants were awarded a non-profit rental apartment.  It had been recommended that additional such housing be provided. Recommendations to adopt a new housing programme had coincided with the commitments adopted by the Government, which was intensively working on such a document. 

Regarding informal settlements and evictions, there had been no forced evictions of Roma in the Dobruska Vas case.  In coordination between the municipalities and the Roma there, the situation had been was resolved successfully. 

On regional inequalities, Slovenia had been affected by the crisis but austerity measures were such that they should not adversely affect vulnerable groups.  In the area of health, additional funds had been earmarked for shortening of waiting periods with regards to certain health services.  Regional inequalities did exist but were systematically being addressed.  A new healthcare strategy was being prepared, in which there would be a focus on reducing regional inequalities.  It was not only a problem of funding, but also of a lack of staff, which the strategy would try to address. 

2008 had been a crucial year in tackling family violence, with the adoption of a law on the prevention of family violence; the Criminal Code had been amended and it now included the definition of this offence.   The law on the prevention of family violence stated that family violence was any form of physical, sexual, psychological or economic violence exercised by one family member against another.  Sanctions in case of family violence were defined in the Criminal Code with imprisonment up to five years, among other sanctions.  Sexual relations with a minor and incest were sanctioned by the Criminal Code.  The family was a constitutionally protected category.  It was also protected by the law of Marriage and Family Relations.  On material protection of the family and protection from violence, unfortunately it had been found that the crisis had affected families and family members and there was firm commitment to pay special attention to strengthening commitments in this area. 

On work and personal life reconciliation, Slovenia had one of the highest rates of employment of women.  Various possibilities were provided in the area of work time, and there was a certificate for family-friendly companies.  Nearly all fathers took 15 days of paid paternal leave.  When economic growth was at 2.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product, the Parental Protection Act would be amended for there to be an additional 15 days of paid paternal leave.  Benefits were provided for loss of income to parents who left the labour market to care for their special needs children.  Parental allowance was paid to parents and had been increased during the crisis, in order to protect families where parents were unemployed or were students.

The European Union legislation imposed on Member States to set up and implement an efficient system providing for the safety of food.  The State defined the competent authority for supervision, which in Slovenia was the Administration for Food Safety and Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection.  To monitor the situation and risks, the Administration conducted monitoring on an annual basis, taking more than 7,000 samples on the market and carrying out around 15,000 analyses in laboratories, as well as more than 400,000 diagnostics tests on food production and processes. Information was provided to the public with regards to risks.  Slovenia also promoted local production, which facilitated the tracing of foods.

Follow-up Questions by Experts

Slovenia was a small country with limited resources, noted an Expert.  How did it envisage addressing the problem of regional disparities?  Had there been any population movement because of these disparities? 

Roma people across Europe had similar problems, including on access to housing.  In Slovenia, there seemed to be a particularly grave situation, with housing in isolated areas.  What had been done to improve the quality of housing for Roma, which often lacked the basic amenities?  On housing in general, 90 per cent of housing was privately owned.  What was the percentage of the population that owned their own house or apartment? 

Trafficking was also an acute problem for Slovenia. Could the delegation comment on that?

On sanctions in case of family violence, an Expert wished to have yearly statistics from 2008 until now, on how many people were imprisoned or otherwise sanctioned. 

Response by Delegation

Regarding regional disparities, problems had been noticed and people from villages sometimes migrated to cities.   Infrastructural connections were of great importance. 

There was awareness that housing for Roma was a grave problem and it was a priority.  In 2008 Slovenia had, with municipalities and the Roma community, earmarked around 9 million Euros to address this.  Roma mostly lived in the east of the country. On how they were affected by the crisis, funds earmarked for the implementation of their rights had not been reduced.   Dropping out of Roma children was not a major problem in Slovenia.  This did not mean that there were no Roma children that left school.  It was more around the ages of 11 and 15 and there were efforts to reduce it.  Statistically, the rate of illiteracy in Slovenia, including among Roma children, was negligible.  However, among adult Roma, some illiteracy existed and was being tackled through informal forms of education. 

Ninety per cent of the population of Slovenia lived in owned apartments.  They themselves or their families owned these apartments.

On trafficking in human beings, Slovenia paid considerable attention to the identification of victims.  Activities were carried out through the Inter-Ministerial Working Group, including in the area of education.

Concerning the Research and Innovation Strategy, it did not define priorities but did say how to define them.  Some key priority areas identified were sustainable energy, mobility and construction, health, food, the environment and safe and secure communities.

Concluding Remarks

MARTINA VUK, State Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, in concluding remarks, said that Slovenia was aware of challenges that would have to be faced.  In its replies, Slovenia had attempted to provide all the answers Thanks were expressed for fruitful and constructive work.  Recommendations would be taken very seriously and Slovenia would try to implement as many of them as possible.

AZZOUZ KERDOUN, Vice-Chairperson and Country Rapporteur for the report of Slovenia, also in concluding remarks, thanked the delegation for its very fruitful cooperation with the Committee.  They were talking about a gradual process.  The delegation had been very professional in its approach and answering questions by the Committee.  Members had taken note of written information provided as well as of oral answers.  Progress had been seen in improving the life of people.  Changes of Government that had taken place up to this year had to some extent caused some difficulty, however they had not halted important measures taken to improve the human rights situation and the implementation of the Covenant’s provision.  The measures were significant and Slovenia was encouraged to continue these efforts.

Some things still had to be done, particularly regarding vulnerable persons, such as persons with disabilities and the Roma.  Poverty was still an issue in certain parts of the country and this was a difficulty that could be addressed.  The question of employment had not been completely solved and there were a number of pending issues to which there had not been full answers.  The international economic crisis seemed to be some kind of excuse used for this, such as the minimum wage, the poverty threshold, provision of welfare benefits, and pension, where there had not been a great deal of improvements.  The determination to move forward had however been noted, and this would be taken into account by the Committee.  It was hoped that the next report would contain good news. 

ZDZISLAW KEDZIA, Committee Chairperson, also in concluding remarks, had been impressed by the quality of responses and information provided by the delegation, as well as its cooperative and constructive spirit.  It had been an enjoyable exchange.  The Committee saw the dialogue as a sort of a mutual learning process.  It was hoped that the delegation had a better picture of matters of concern from the Committee’s perspective. 
__________________

           
For use of the information media; not an official record