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Article 2 of the Convention. Measures to ensure and promote equality of opportunity and treatment irrespective of race, national extraction and religion. The Committee notes the adoption of the Integrated Action Plan for the social integration of vulnerable groups (Roma and Greek Muslims) for the period
2006–08, which includes, inter alia, the provision of vocational training to the unemployed under both the Training–Employment Operational Programme and the Regional Operational Programme, Greek language training, and subsidies for the creation of jobs. The Committee notes that some 2,838 persons belonging to the Roma or Muslim communities benefited from the Operational Programme between 2000–06. The Committee also notes the initiatives carried out under the Equal Initiative of the European Social Fund facilitating access and return to the labour market of vulnerable groups and combating racism and xenophobia in the labour market. The Committee further notes the adoption of the Integrated Action Plan for the integration of third-country nationals legally residing in the Hellenic territory 2007–13 which focuses, among other things, on ensuring access of third-country nationals to employment and education. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information on the specific measures taken or envisaged under the abovementioned programmes aimed at fostering equality of opportunity and treatment of vulnerable groups, in particular the Roma and Greek Muslims. The information should indicate the impact of the specific measures and include particulars of the number of persons from these groups who have benefited from the various measures. Please also provide statistical information on the participation of vulnerable groups in the labour market.

Article 3(a). Cooperation with workers’ and employers’ organizations and other appropriate bodies. The Committee notes that on 3 July 2007, the Economic and Social Committee adopted its 2006 Equal Treatment Report on the application of the principle of equal treatment. The report, inter alia, puts forward proposals concerning training and awareness raising on equal treatment issues and the need to review certain aspects of the legislation in order to ensure conformity with the principle of equal treatment (e.g. regarding the recruitment of civil servants and social security). The Committee also notes that the General Secretariat for Equality and the representative employers’ organizations concluded a Protocol of Cooperation to promote equality of men and women in the private sector. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to follow-up on the recommendations contained in the 2006 Equal Treatment Report of the Economic and Social Committee, as well as on the specific activities implemented under the Protocol of Cooperation mentioned above. Please also provide information on any other initiatives promoting the application of the Convention through tripartite cooperation.

Part III of the report form. With regard to the implementation of Act No. 3304/2005 on the principle of equal treatment regardless of racial or ethnic origin, religious or other beliefs, disability, age or sexual orientation, the Committee notes that in 2005 the Ombudsperson received 26 complaints. In 2006, the Ombudsperson investigated 40 complaints under the Act. According to the Government’s report, no complaints were received by the Labour Inspectorate which, under the Act, is competent to examine complaints, regarding the private sector. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number, nature and outcome of any complaints processed or investigations undertaken by the Ombudsperson and the Labour Inspectorate in relation to Act 3304/2005. It also reiterates its request for a copy of the equality sections included in the latest annual labour inspection report as well as for information on any cases regarding equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation dealt with by the courts.