25 March 2004

ACFC/SR/II(2004)001

SECOND REPORT SUBMITTED BY LIECHTENSTEIN
PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 25, PARAGRAPH 1
OF THE FRAMEWORK CONVENTION FOR
THE PROTECTION OF NATIONAL MINORITIES

(Received on 25 March 2004)

Table of contents

1. Introduction 3 3
2. General information on Liechtenstein 3 3
2.1 Country and people 3 3
2.2 General political structure 7 7
2.3 Economic and political integration 8 8
2.4 Economy 8 8
2.5 General legal framework for the protection of human rights 9 9
3. Foreigners in Liechtenstein 12 12
3.1 Measures against racism and discrimination 12 12
3.2 Integration measures 14 14
3.3 Asylum-seekers and refugees 14 14
4. Cooperation to promote the Convention 16 16

1. Introduction

Liechtenstein ratified the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities on 18 November 1997. The first report was submitted on 3 March 1999 and considered by the Advisory Committee on 30 November 2000. The Committee of Ministers issued a final evaluation and adopted a resolution on the report on 27 November 2001.

Upon deposit of the instrument of ratification for the Framework Convention, Liechtenstein made a declaration indicating that Liechtenstein's ratification should be viewed as an act of solidarity, since there are no national minorities in the territory of Liechtenstein, for the purposes of the Framework Convention:

"The Principality of Liechtenstein declares that Articles 24 and 25, in particular, of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities of 1 February 1995 are to be understood having regard to the fact that no national minorities in the sense of the Framework Convention exist in the territory of the Principality of Liechtenstein. The Principality of Liechtenstein considers its ratification of the Framework Convention as an act of solidarity in the view of the objectives of the Convention."

The Advisory Committee and the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe have recognized that the application of certain provisions of the Framework Convention is limited, given the lack of national minorities in Liechtenstein. At the same time, the Advisory Committee noted that a considerable number of foreign citizens live in Liechtenstein and that the religious composition of the population is not homogeneous. In this context, the Advisory Committee has found it to be important that Liechtenstein promote the integration of these groups, which may be confronted with difficulties due to their religious and cultural differences. Although these groups are not considered national minorities, Liechtenstein would like to respond to the request of the Advisory Committee and has integrated the desired information into this report. In addition to a first, general part on the situation of Liechtenstein, updating the first report, a second part specifically addresses which measures have been taken to improve the integration of foreign citizens and to prevent racism and discrimination.

2. General information on Liechtenstein

2.1 Country and people

Geography
The territory of the Principality of Liechtenstein is situated between Switzerland and Austria, extending over an area of 160 km². Liechtenstein consists of eleven municipalities, the largest two of which have slightly more than 5,000 inhabitants. The country has a rural character with no significant agglomerations. One quarter of the area of the country is on the floor of the Rhine Valley, while the remaining three quarters are on slopes facing the Rhine and in the mountains of the Alps. The capital and seat of the national authorities is Vaduz.

Population
As of the end of 2002, Liechtenstein had a permanent population ¹ of 33,863. 34.2% of the population are foreigners. Among the foreign citizens living in Liechtenstein, 47.6% are from the European Economic Area (EEA)², especially from Austria and Germany, and 31.9% are from Switzerland. The share of the foreign population originating from third countries, i.e. from countries outside Switzerland and the EEA, is therefore 20.5% - including 7.7% from Turkey and 9.3% from countries of the former Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, and Slovenia).

Permanent foreign population by citizenship, as of 31 December 2002

Citizenship	Total
Algeria	1
Angola	1
Argentina	4
Armenia	8
Australia	4
Austria	1996
Bahamas	1
Belarus	3
Belgium	17
Bosnia and Herzegovina	321
Brazil	40
Bulgaria	4
Canada	7
Chile	2
China (People's Republic)	37
Colombia	9
Costa Rica	1
Croatia	121
Cuba	3
Czech Republic	9
Denmark	17
Dominican Republic	16
Ecuador	8
Egypt	7
Estonia	1
Finland	1
France	57
Gambia	1
Germany	1140
Ghana	1
Greece	79
Guatemala	1
Guinea	2
Hungary	15
Iceland	1
India	3
Indonesia	5
Iran	2
Ireland	7
Israel	1
Italy	1127
Jamaica	1
Japan	8
Jordan	1
Kazakhstan	1
Korea (Republic)	1
Laos	2
Latvia	7
Lebanon	1
Luxembourg	5
Macedonia	107
Maldives	1
Malta	1
Mexico	7
Moldova	3
Morocco	5
Netherlands	48
Nigeria	2
Norway	10
Pakistan	1
Panama	1
Peru	4
Philippines	9
Poland	17
Portugal	490
Romania	4
Russia	14
Senegal	2
Serbia and Montenegro	471
Seychelles	1
Singapore	1
Slovakia	10
Slovenia	57
South Africa	5
Spain	449
Sri Lanka	1
stateless	2
Sweden	19
Switzerland	3693
Syria	1
Taiwan	1
Thailand	30
Tunisia	3
Turkey	887
Ukraine	6
United Kingdom	37
United States	41
Uruguay	1
Vietnam	16
Total	11566

Population structure
As of the end of 2002, 18.2% of the population were less than 15 years old, and 10.8% were over 65 years old. Life expectancy has increased steadily over the past 30 years. In 2001, the average life expectancy was 82.5 for women and 76.5 for men ³.

Religion
The Liechtenstein Constitution (article 37) guarantees freedom of religion and conscience to everyone and guarantees all rights irrespective of religious denomination. The Constitution also guarantees all denominations the right to practice their faith and to hold religious ceremonies, as long as this occurs in keeping with public morals and order. The exercise of religion is also protected by criminal law provisions, which prohibit any acts against religious peace and the peace of the dead.

The Catholic Church is enshrined in the Constitution as the National Church. This linkage between Church and State has been controversial, especially since Liechtenstein was split off from the Diocese of Chur (Switzerland) and elevated to an Archdiocese on 2 December 1997. In particular with respect to religious instruction in schools, there was a need for action, since the Archdiocese claimed the right to teach purely Catholic content. A solution has now been found for the upper school levels. Starting in the 2003/2004 school year, students have the option of choosing between Catholic and Protestant denominational religious instruction and a new subject "Religion and Culture". The Archdiocese of Liechtenstein is responsible for the Catholic religious instruction. The subject "Religion and Culture" is the responsibility of the school authorities. It is non-denominational and covers both Christianity and other religions. Other religious groups that do not belong to the Catholic or the Protestant Church are free to design their own religious instruction.

As of the end of 2002, 76% of the overall population were Roman Catholic, 7% Protestant, and 4.1% Muslim. 10.8% of the population did not specify a religious denomination.

Permanent population by denomination, as of 31 December 2002

Denomination	Total
Anglican	13
Baha'i	14
Buddhist	72
Jehovah's Witnesses	31
Jewish	18
Muslim	1384
New Apostolic	9
Orthodox	258
Protestant	2354
Roman Catholic	25730
other religions	8
no religion	329
no data	3643
Total	33863

Language
According to the Liechtenstein Constitution, German is the national and official language of Liechtenstein. The colloquial language is generally an Alemannic dialect of German.

2.2 General political structure

System of State
The Principality of Liechtenstein is a constitutional hereditary monarchy on a democratic and parliamentary basis. The extensive direct-democratic rights of the People balance the relatively strong position of the Reigning Prince.

Separation of powers
In the dualist system of State of the Principality of Liechtenstein, the power of the State is embodied in both the Reigning Prince and the People. The separation of powers is further safeguarded by the allocation of separate authority and rights to the executive (Government), legislative (Parliament), and judicial (Courts) branches.

Reigning Prince (Head of State)
The Reigning Prince is the Head of State and, notwithstanding the requisite participation of the responsible Government, represents the State in all its relations with foreign States. He appoints the members of the Government on recommendation of Parliament. He is also responsible for appointing judges, who are elected by Parliament on the recommendation of a special body. If justified on serious grounds, the Reigning Prince may dissolve Parliament and dismiss the Government. The Reigning Prince may also exercise emergency powers. He has the right of pardon and may mitigate sentences and quash criminal prosecutions. Every law must be sanctioned by the Reigning Prince to become effective. The Reigning Prince is bound by the provisions of the Constitution in the exercise of his powers.

Parliament
The Liechtenstein Parliament is elected every four years. Parliament consists of 25 Members. They are elected by proportional representation in universal, equal, direct, and secret elections. In this term (2001-2005), three parties are represented in Parliament. The Progressive Citizens' Party has an absolute majority with 13 seats. The Patriotic Union has 11 seats, and the Free List is represented with one seat.

The most important responsibilities of Parliament are its role in the legislative process, assenting to international treaties, approving State funds, electing judges on the recommendation of the selection body, and supervision of the National Administration. Parliament submits its recommendation on the appointment of Ministers to the Reigning Prince. It may also initiate the dismissal of the Government, if the Government loses its confidence. Parliament constitutes a quorum if at least two thirds of its Members are present.

Government
The Government consists of five members: the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, and three additional Ministers. The members of the Government are appointed by the Reigning Prince on recommendation of Parliament. The Government is the highest executive organ, to which about 45 Government offices and a number of diplomatic representations abroad are subordinate. Roughly 50 commissions and advisory councils assist the work of the Administration.
The Government has the authority to issue ordinances and is therefore also a law-making body. Ordinances may, however, only be issued on the basis of acts of Parliament and international treaties.

Judicial authority
The judicial authority is divided into courts of public law (extraordinary jurisdiction) and courts exercising ordinary jurisdiction. Courts of public law are the Administrative Court and the Constitutional Court. The Administrative Court is the appeals instance against decisions and orders of the Government or commissions acting on behalf of the Government. The responsibilities of the Constitutional Court include in particular the protection of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as rights contained in the human rights instruments of the United Nations, as long as the legislative power has explicitly recognized the right of individual complaint (see chapter 2.5). In addition, the Constitutional Court reviews the constitutionality of laws and treaties and the legality of Government ordinances.
Ordinary jurisdiction encompasses the administration of justice in civil and criminal matters. The first instance is the Liechtenstein Court of Justice in Vaduz. Before a claim in a contested civil case may be submitted to the Court of Justice, a mediation procedure must be conducted in the place of residence of the respondent. Only after mediation has failed may the Court of Justice be invoked as the court of first instance. Ordinary jurisdiction in the first instance is exercised by individual judges. Jurisdiction in the second instance is exercised by the Court of Appeal, in the third instance by the Supreme Court. Both courts are collegial bodies.

Municipalities
Municipal autonomy plays an important role in Liechtenstein. The Constitution specifies the autonomous scope of authority of the eleven municipalities. Eligible voters in each municipality elect a Municipal Council headed by a mayor whose position is either full-time or part-time, depending on the size of the municipality. The municipal authorities autonomously fulfill their responsibilities and administer the municipal assets. Decisions of the municipal authorities may be overturned by popular referendum.

2.3 Economic and political integration

Liechtenstein pursues an active foreign policy characterized by the objective of strengthening its sovereignty and of improving political and economic integration at the European and international levels. This integration has been accomplished step-by-step in the course of the economic development and industrialization that began in the 1960's and has continued until today.

Already in 1960, Liechtenstein was integrated into the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) through its Customs Treaty with Switzerland. In 1991, Liechtenstein joined EFTA as an independent member. Liechtenstein has been a participating State in the CSCE/OSCE since 1975 and a member of the Council of Europe since 1978. In 1990, Liechtenstein joined the United Nations, and in 1995 both the European Economic Area (EEA) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Today, Liechtenstein maintains diplomatic representations at the United Nations in New York; the European Union in Brussels; EFTA, the UN, and the WTO in Geneva; a Permanent Representation to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg; and a Permanent Mission to the OSCE and the UN in Vienna. Bilateral embassies have been established in Berne, Berlin, Brussels, Washington, and Vienna, as well as to the Holy See.

2.4 Economy

Economic area
Since entry into force of the Customs Treaty in 1924, Liechtenstein has formed a common economic area with Switzerland. The border between the two States is open, and the border to Austria is administered by the Swiss border patrol. Pursuant to the Currency Treaty with Switzerland, the Swiss franc is the official currency of Liechtenstein. As mentioned above, Liechtenstein has participated in the European Economic Area since 1995, in which it constitutes a uniform single market with currently 15 EU members, Norway, and Iceland. Upon enlargement of the EU by 10 new Member States, the EEA will encompass a total of 28 Member States as of 1 May 2004.

Structure of the economy
Liechtenstein is a modern, globally connected industrial and service economy. The basis of its economic success in recent decades has been a favorable economic framework relying on liberal economic law. Liechtenstein is also home to a highly productive, globally-oriented industrial sector, which contributes over 40% of the entire added value (gross domestic product) of the country. In addition, Liechtenstein also has well-developed services, especially in the financial sector, such as legal services, professional trustees, and banks. Financial services and general services contributed 55% of the added value of the country (gross domestic product) in 2000. Liechtenstein is one of the most industrialized countries in the world. This broad diversification has been and continues to be the key to the ongoing crisis-resistant growth of the Liechtenstein economy.

Employment structure
The small size of Liechtenstein and the ongoing economic growth entail that a large part of the workforce must be recruited from neighboring countries, commuting across the national borders (cross-border commuters). As of the end of 2002, 16,886 persons resident in Liechtenstein were employed, i.e., 50.2% of the permanent population. 15,784 of these were employed in Liechtenstein and 1,102 in foreign countries. In addition to the 15,784 persons employed in Liechtenstein, 13,030 people commuted from neighboring countries to work in Liechtenstein; a total of 28,814 persons were therefore working in Liechtenstein as of the end of 2002. In comparison with the permanent population of 33,863, this is a very high number.

Agriculture is no longer of major significance to the national economy. It still fulfills an important function, however, with respect to self-sufficiency during times of crisis and the cultivation and preservation of the natural and agricultural landscape. 1.3% of all persons working in Liechtenstein were still employed in the first (agricultural) sector as of the end of 2002. Although the service sector (commerce, financial services, hotels and restaurants, education, etc.) is continually growing and encompassed 53.9% of full-time employees as of the end of 2002, Liechtenstein still has an active and diverse second sector (industry, crafts, construction, etc.), employing 44.9% of all full-time workers.

Unemployment
Unemployment is low in an international comparison, but is rising. The unemployment rate in January 2004 was 2.3%.

Inflation rate
Due to the economic and currency union with Switzerland, the inflation rate is calculated as the yearly average of the Swiss national index of consumer prices. The yearly average of the inflation rate in 2003 was 0.6%.

2.5 General legal framework for the protection of human rights

Basic rights and fundamental freedoms
A number of basic rights are enshrined in the Constitution of the Principality of Liechtenstein. These are: the right to free movement within the country and free acquisition of property, personal liberty, immunity of the home, the inviolability of letters and documents, the right to proceedings before a proper judge, the inviolability of private property, freedom of trade and commerce, freedom of religion and conscience, freedom of expression and the press, freedom of association and assembly, the right of petition, and the right of complaint. The Constitution also stipulates that all citizens are equal before the law and that the rights of foreign citizens are determined by treaties, or in their absence according to the principle of reciprocity.

Justiciability and international legal recourse
Persons believing their basic rights or fundamental freedoms to be violated may avail themselves of the courts. The claimant may call for annulment of the administrative or Government decision, sue for compensation, or claim satisfaction for material or incorporeal damages. If proceedings in Liechtenstein have exhausted all instances with jurisdiction in Liechtenstein, the claimant may appeal to the Constitutional Court. As the court of last instance, the Constitutional Court monitors compliance with constitutionally guaranteed rights and the rights guaranteed by international agreements, as long as the Liechtenstein legislative power has explicitly recognized the right of individual complaint. Such a right is recognized for the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of 4 November 1950 (ECHR) and for all UN conventions providing for an individual right of complaint: the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 16 December 1966, the International Convention of 21 December 1965 on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention of 18 December 1979 on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and the Convention of 10 December 1984 against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

International human rights agreements
Liechtenstein is a State Party to the following European and international agreements on the protection of human rights:

1. Charter of the United Nations of 16 June 1945

2. Convention of 28 July 1951 relating to the Status of Refugees, with Protocol of 31 January 1967

3. International Convention of 21 December 1965 on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

4. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 16 December 1966

5. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 16 December 1966

6. Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 16 December 1966

7. Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, of 15 December 1989

8. Convention of 18 December 1979 on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

9. Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women of 6 October 1999

10. Convention of 10 December 1984 against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

11. Statute of the Council of Europe of 5 May 1949

12. European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of 4 November 1950, including various Protocols

13. European Convention of 26 November 1987 for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, including Protocols 1 and 2

14. European Framework Convention of 1 February 1995 for the Protection of National Minorities

15. European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages of 5 November 1995

16. European Agreement relating to Persons Participating in Proceedings of the European Court of Human Rights of 5 March 1996

17. Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court of 17 July 1998

Implementation of international agreements
With respect to the implementation of international human rights agreements, Liechtenstein abides by the principle that treaty obligations are only entered into if they can be complied with. A ratified agreement becomes part of national law as of the date of entry into force, without a special law being necessary to implement it.

National information policy in the area of human rights agreements
All laws and therefore also practically all international agreements are considered by Parliament and must be published in the Liechtenstein Legal Gazette (Landesgesetzblatt, LGBl.). Their entry into force is also announced in the national newspapers. The public has access to all legal acts. The complete text may either be purchased at the Government Chancellery or viewed on the Internet.

The new Internet appearance of the country of Liechtenstein and its authorities went online in December 2003. The new portal (www.liechtenstein.li) provides access to all international human rights agreements applicable to Liechtenstein. In the future, all national reports submitted by Liechtenstein and the recommendations of the human rights committees and treaty-monitoring bodies will also be made available.

3. Foreigners in Liechtenstein

3.1 Measures against racism and discrimination

International legal instruments
Liechtenstein ratified the International Covenant of 16 December 1966 on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant of 16 December 1966 on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in 1999.

The International Convention of 21 December 1965 on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination was ratified in 2000. In the course of ratifying this convention, the Liechtenstein Criminal Code was expanded to include provisions penalizing racist propaganda, racist attacks against human dignity, denial of publicly provided services on racist grounds, participation in racial discrimination or racist organizations, and preparatory acts for the promotion of racial discrimination. In 2002 and 2003, the National Police reported four cases of violations of the anti-racism criminal provisions to the Office of the Public Prosecutor (article 283 of the Criminal Code).

Liechtenstein recognizes the authority of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) to receive and consider communications in accordance with article 14 of the International Convention of 21 December 1965 on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Acceptance of the right of individual complaint was decided on 21 January 2004 and the UN Secretary-General was notified. At the national level, the Constitutional Court was given jurisdiction in the last instance to decide on complaints filed pursuant to the Convention.

First CERD national report
Liechtenstein's first report on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination was submitted in 2001 and presented to the Committee one year later. The Committee emphasized in particular Liechtenstein's efforts to integrate refugees and asylum-seekers as well as measures undertaken against increasing right-wing extremism. The experts appreciated the support by the State of various non-governmental organizations in this area and hoped that such cooperation would continue. The Committee also appreciated the harmonization of national legislation with the Convention. The Committee praised police cooperation with neighboring countries, but recommended special training of responsible officials, which would lead to improved suppression of racial discrimination. Liechtenstein is implementing the recommendations of the Committee in the framework of a National Action Plan.

Second report of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI)
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) adopted its second report on Liechtenstein on 28 June 2002 and published it on 15 April 2003. ECRI emphasized that Liechtenstein has taken numerous important measures to prevent racism and discrimination, especially through its ratification of international legal instruments, the adoption of new provisions in its criminal law, and the development of strategies to combat right-wing extremism. ECRI recommended improvement of anti-discrimination legislation, the elaboration of comprehensive measures to monitor racism and discrimination, and the development and implementation of an integration strategy for foreign citizens. The ECRI recommendations have also been incorporated into the National Action Plan and are being implemented in that context.

National Action Plan against Racism
A Liechtenstein delegation headed by the Foreign Minister took part in the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance held from 31 August to 7 September 2001. With the adoption of the declaration and Program of Action against racism, Liechtenstein is also called upon to take up the topics contained therein and to implement them at the national level. In June 2002, the Government therefore appointed a working group under the direction of the Office of Foreign Affairs and mandated it to develop a National Action Plan for the implementation of the Durban outcomes in Liechtenstein.

The five-year National Action Plan, adopted by the Government in February 2003, incorporates those topics from the far-reaching Durban Program of Action that are relevant to Liechtenstein and that require action. The National Action Plan also takes into account the recommendations mentioned above of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) of March 2002 and the recommendations of the second report of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI). In particular, it pursues two objectives:

Raising of the awareness of the Liechtenstein population concerning the various forms of racism and their causes
Through increased public education work, the goal is to raise the awareness of the public and especially of the authorities and the schools with respect to the causes and the potential for conflict and violence of racism and xenophobia. This is accomplished through the publication and dissemination of all relevant international conventions and recommendations, through the compilation of statistical material on the topic, and through continuing education events aimed at target groups.

Integration of foreigners in Liechtenstein
The working group views the integration of the foreign population as a central pillar and the most important prerequisite for the prevention of racism, xenophobia, and resulting violence. It therefore is engaged on behalf of the development and implementation of a comprehensive framework for the integration of foreigners in Liechtenstein. In addition, it promotes and supports existing integration efforts.

Further measures to prevent racism and right-wing extremism
In June 2003, the Liechtenstein Government mandated a working group to assess the establishment of a specialized office on gender equality, disabilities, immigration/racism, religion, and sexual orientation.

In addition, a Violence Protection Commission was established in July 2003, chaired by the National Police, to observe and document the situation of right-wing violence (right-wing extremism) in Liechtenstein and to identify in advance dangerous developments in this area.

Targeted interventions have also been undertaken, especially with respect to children and young people, to prevent racism and to integrate young foreigners. A catalogue of measures has been introduced against exclusion, xenophobia, and violent behavior among young people. A regional expert group with youth workers from Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Austria deals with cross-border early-warning and intervention. Its focus is on observing the youth scene, compiling analyses, and questioning and optimizing the existing framework for youth work with respect to integration. In the area of crisis intervention, it offers assistance to youth workers. In addition to public youth work, many schools have also reacted and taken up the topic of racism prevention and integration as a focus area.

3.2 Integration measures

Information
In 2002, a brochure entitled "Welcome to Liechtenstein - Information for immigrants" was published. The brochure contains information on the most important topics and lists all relevant counseling and contact offices as well as contact persons within the National Administration. This brochure is available in seven different languages.

Education
Criteria such as citizenship, gender, and social and ethnic background are irrelevant to school attendance and vocational training. Mandatory schooling includes every child living in Liechtenstein, and continuing education orients itself by personal ability and performance.

Children whose native language is not German are given special support in schools. Students without any knowledge of German are taught German intensively for one year (22 lessons per week). After this year, they are integrated into the regular school system, if possible. Foreign-speaking students who already have some preexisting knowledge of German are integrated immediately into regular schools, but receive additional instruction in German (1-2 lessons per week).

Native language studies
Native language studies for foreign children are administered on a private basis by foreigners' organizations. The State provides school facilities free of charge and enables teachers to enter the country.

Activities of non-governmental organizations
The Association for Intercultural Education, which was founded as a private initiative and is financially supported by the State, is engaged on behalf of the integration of foreigners. The main focus is on continuing education, since support in the areas of language, education, and employment in particular can contribute to the integration of all population groups into society.A further goal of the Association for Intercultural Education is a sensitive approach to differences and the prevention of prejudices. Through common experiences and activities, the Association promotes mutual understanding and helps to reduce prejudices. So that other cultures are not perceived as a threat, but are instead experienced as a worthwhile challenge, the Association supports the cultural exchange of Liechtenstein and other cultures.

The foreigners' organizations themselves play an important role in supporting the immigrant population. There are currently 20 foreigners' organizations in Liechtenstein. They primarily organize sports and cultural events, but they also develop joint declarations on topics affecting them.

3.3 Asylum-seekers and refugees

In 1998, a new Law on the Acceptance of Asylum Seekers and Persons in Need of Protection (Refugee Act) and the corresponding Ordinance entered into force (LGBl. 1998 No. 107; LGBl. 1998 No. 125). They govern inter alia the principles of granting asylum and the legal status of asylum-seekers, persons temporarily admitted, and persons in need of protection. Temporarily admitted persons are those who have not been granted asylum, but the enforcement of the repatriation order would not be possible, permissible, or reasonable. Persons in need of protection are those belonging to groups whose life, security, or liberty is endangered due to general violence, foreign aggression, grave violations of human rights, or other serious disturbances of the public order.

The Refugee Division of the Immigration and Passport Office is responsible for the implementation of the Refugee Act. The Division conducts the necessary inquiries and decides whether an asylum application is to be considered, and forwards its findings to be decided by the Government. The Government then decides on whether to grant or deny asylum. Decisions by the Government may be appealed to the Administrative Court.

An asylum center is available for housing asylum-seekers, persons temporarily admitted, and persons in need of protection, and in some cases, appropriate housing is organized in the municipalities. The care of asylum-seekers and persons in need of protection has been assigned to the private Liechtenstein Refugee Aid Society for autonomous implementation. The Refugee Aid Society runs the asylum center and organizes the recruitment, instruction, and employment of aid representatives for questioning and legal counseling. The State funds the Refugee Aid Society. Recognized refugees receive a permit to stay in Liechtenstein and, if necessary, are assisted by the Office of Social Affairs.

Children of asylum-seekers and persons in need of protection who are of mandatory school age are given access to primary schools and continuing schools (article 32(4) and article 62(4) of the Refugee Act). The same conditions apply to asylum-seekers as to the rest of the population. Underage asylum-seekers also have the opportunity to begin an apprenticeship. The beginning of the apprenticeship depends on the current status of the asylum process. Beginning an apprenticeship does not automatically guarantee a permit to stay until the apprenticeship is completed.

New arrivals 1998-2003

	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	Total
Saudi Arabia						1	1
Albania			1		1		2
Armenia	5	3				1	9
Argentina				1			1
Austria		1			1		2
Azerbaijan				3		2	5
Bosnia and Herzegovina		8		11	1	4	24
Bulgaria						4	4
Belarus					2	4	6
Switzerland			1		1		2
Cameroon					1		1
Czech Republic		4				1	5
Germany		2	4	2	1		9
Algeria		1					1
Ethiopia					1		1
France				1			1
Georgia					1	1	2
Croatia					1		1
Iraq						1	1
Iran						1	1
Kazakhstan					2	4	6
Latvia					1		1
Morocco		1					1
Macedonia				47	44	26	117
Mongolia					2	1	3
Poland		1				1	2
Romania					2		2
Russia		2			5	17	24
Slovakia		1				1	2
Tajikistan						1	1
Turkey	6	17	1				24
Ukraine	1	5	2		9	8	25
Serbia and Montenegro incl. Kosovo	226	476	42	47	20	23	834
Total	238	522	51	112	96	102	1121

4. Cooperation to promote the Convention

Liechtenstein will continue the dialogue with the advisory committee and will continue to report in this form. All national reports and resolutions of the Committee of Ministers are published and can be accessed on the Internet at www.liechtenstein.li .

Liechtenstein will also continue to support the confidence-building measures of the Council of Europe, especially at the local and regional level. This opens up a further opportunity to express solidarity with the objectives of the Framework Convention.