The material thus gathered will be submitted to the Parliament during the debate on the 1999 State budget. Refugees - HFHR regularly monitors the situation of refugees and foreigners. Formed within the Foundation was a special department for free legal aid to refugees and foreigners who apply for refugee status. The Foundation also monitors border-crossing points. National minorities - for several years now, the Helsinki Foundation has been organizing meetings of representatives of minority groups for the purpose of defining the problems shared by all minorities and to search for joint solutions.
Joint actions are an entirely novel idea.
There are many indications that this initiative has been of crucial importance for minority rights in Poland. The Helsinki Foundation's role here is to provide expert assistance. HFHR has also prepared a report on the situation of minorities in Poland. At Parliament's request, the Foundation's experts drew up a draft act on the rights of persons belonging to national and ethnic minorities. At present, the draft is being processed by Parliament.