Commission Report (2002): Poland

1.2. Human rights and the protection of minorities

Poland has ratified most of the major Human Rights conventions (see annex), but has so far not ratified Protocol 7 to the European Convention on Human Rights. In May 2002 Poland signed Protocol 13 to the European Convention on Human Rights concerning the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances. Poland has an established track record of providing appropriate international and constitutional legal safeguards for human rights and protection of minorities. Poland is the current Chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights.

Human rights and protection of minorities are among the competencies of the Polish Ombudsman (see below under the heading Civil and political rights).

The concept of non-discrimination is enshrined in the Constitution, but to date the transposition of this principle into legislation, including the anti-discrimination acquis, has been limited (see Chapter 13 -- Social policy and employment).

The Ombudsman continues to play an important role in protecting civil, political and human rights and the rights of minorities. He is also addressed when economic, social or cultural rights are believed to have been violated.

In 2001, the Ombudsman received 55 404 requests to intervene and looked into 40 000 new requests. Action was taken and completed for over 15 000 requests, of which 26% were settled positively (i.e. as requested by the applicant). The remaining 74% did not reach a positive settlement because of ``a lack of confirmation of the allegations''. For most of the negative outcomes no further justification was offered.

Subsections

• Civil and political rights
• Economic, social and cultural rights
• Minority rights and the protection of minorities

---

Next: Civil and political rights
Up: 1. Political criteria
Previous: anti-corruption measures