scope of the decision and if it had been applied in the courts or entailed action only at the administrative level. Info'rmation was requested on the current procedures for settling disputes involving violations of human rights, 273. In connection with article 2 of the Constitution, members sought clarification on whether, under the new Act on National Education, national minorities were at a disadvantage since,both Russian and Byelorussian took precedence over other languages. Further information on the policy relating to national minorities was requested, in particular on: whether they were allowed the free study of their languages; the functioning of their schools; whether the prerequisite teaching facilities were available; whether they had to learn three languages: the standard of their scientific and technical education; whether attention was given to the teaching of their history, culture and religion; and on the position of their language publications. Members also wished to know the language in which government business was conducted; whether Byelorussian was an offical State language: and whether Russian-speaking people learned a second language of the Republic, It was also inquired whether the quota system was still in operation aLi part of the affirmative-action programme and as part of a broader national policy, especially in universities and in white-collar employment; and whether a quota was -64- allocated for the representation of national minorities in municipalities and at the Republican level. 274. While noting that the Constitution and article 77 of the Criminal Code reflected the spirit of article 4 of the Convention , members requested information on whether specific legislation was being contemplated to prohibit racist organizations; and on the action taken to deal with them. 275. With regard to article 5 of the Convention , members welcomed the addition of a new article, 124 (2), to Act No, 4 of 1988, making the committal of a healthy 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be focused on the human rights and cultural rights of national minorities in a specific country, discussing their representation, education, language use, and employment opportunities. It also touches on issues related to discrimination and racism. Given the emphasis on human rights and cultural rights, it is likely that the text is related to the country's social and political context.

**Category**
Education, Humanitarian aid and relief