2. Issues relating to the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups This section describes needs and measures relating to children, religious organizations, non-citizens, prisoners, refugees and people with physical, intellectual or psychiatric disabilities. The programme notes that the issue of non-citizens is controversial and that it is important to introduce legislation as soon as possible and to conduct a widespread information campaign about the status and rights of noncitizens. 3. The existing national framework This section surveys relevant institutions of the State and draws attention to areas where steps need to be taken. For example, the programme notes that it is important to ensure that Members of Parliament have access to advice on Latvia’s international human rights obligations, that members of the public know about mechanisms for redress of problems and that an environment is developed in which NGOs can operate effectively. 4. The media This section briefly refers to the importance of free and independent media and to training needs. 5. The international framework (Latvia’s international treaty obligations) This section notes that Latvia has international obligations under instruments of the United Nations, the OSCE and the Council of Europe. Although the programme does not refer to monitoring or implementation mechanisms, Latvia considers that most of its objectives have been met. There is now greater public awareness of human rights, with an active NGO community. An independent national institution has been established, human rights training programmes have been put in place for relevant sectors, domestic legislation has been adopted and international treaties have been ratified. The programme does not establish a time frame for its implementation but it is recognized that the existing document should be revised or updated to include new objectives and strategies. 4.4 The Philippines (1996) The “Philippines Human Rights Plan 1996 - 2000” is contained in several documents, with a 20-page summary. A feature of the plan was the central role given to the Philippines Commission on Human Rights (PCHR) in coordinating its implementation. Another feature was the extensive consultation between the Government and NGOs prior to its adoption. In response to the recommendation of the Vienna World Conference, the PCHR initiated action on its own account in 1994 to propose a national plan. This was 28