Some states have introduced specific advisers on lesbian and gay rights. In the Netherlands, for example, a special counsellor has been instituted at the Inspector-General’s Office. Furthermore, in the Netherlands, the Foundation on Homosexuality and the Armed Forces has been established, which receives financial and organizational support from the Ministry of Defence.308 While these counselling services are useful in order to inform gay and lesbian armed forces personnel about their rights and the procedures available in case of harassment, it has to be underlined that this issue is the responsibility of all within the chain of command. 5. Best Practices and Recommendations • A state’s approach to the participation of gays and lesbians in the armed forces should be in line with its international human rights obligations, in particular those on antidiscrimination and the right to privacy; • Anti-discrimination and equal-opportunities legislation should be (made) applicable to the military; • Standards of social conduct should be adopted within the armed forces that aim at safeguarding operational effectiveness while reducing discrimination and abuse in the military; • Standards of social conduct should regulate behaviour of all armed forces personnel regardless of their sexual orientation; • The minister of defence should undertake special measures so as to ensure that no gap exists between de jure and de facto policy. Such measures include an information policy, education and awareness training, and complaints and sanctions procedures for harassment and discrimination. 308  For more information, see <www.shk.nl>. 141 Handbook on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Armed Forces Personnel