38/6 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Romania

GE.18-05361(E)



Human Rights Council Thirty-eighth session

18 June–6 July 2018

Agenda item 6

Universal periodic review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

Romania

* The annex is being circulated without formal editing, in the language of submission only.

United Nations A/HRC/38/6

Introduction

1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance

with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-ninth session from 15 to 26

January 2018. The review of Romania was held at the 3rd meeting, on 16 January 2018.

The delegation of Romania was headed by the Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign

Affairs, Alexandru Victor Micula. At its 10th meeting, held on 19 January 2018, the

Working Group adopted the report on Romania.

2. On 10 January 2018, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Romania: Iraq, Nigeria and Ukraine.

3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution

5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents

were issued for the review of Romania:

(a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance

with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/29/ROU/1);

(b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b)

(A/HRC/WG.6/29/ROU/2);

(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)

(A/HRC/WG.6/29/ROU/3).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Brazil, Czechia, Germany,

Liechtenstein, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and

Northern Ireland and the United States of America was transmitted to Romania through the

troika. These questions are available on the website of the universal periodic review.

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process

A. Presentation by the State under review

5. The delegation stated that Romania had held presidential, parliamentary and local, as

well as European Parliament elections, since its second universal period review in 2013.

During the reporting period, the Government had taken several measures to improve its

institutional and legislative framework relating to the protection of human rights.

6. The national report was structured in line with the recommendations from the

second review, a large number of which concerned protection from discrimination,

particularly against the Roma. The national report highlighted the importance that the

authorities attached to that subject and provided information on several achievements in

that regard. It outlined the main measures that had been taken to end segregation in

education, integrate Roma culture into the school curricula, and improve the access of the

Roma to the labour market and the health-care system. The strategy for the inclusion of

Romanian citizens belonging to the Roma minority 2015–2020 took into account

recommendations from the European Union.

7. Furthermore, Romania had continued to invest in social housing programmes for

Roma communities. The eviction of tenants and the demolition of buildings constructed

without authorization on State land had been carried out in accordance with the national

legislation, providing a judicial review and legal guarantees against forced evictions. The

Government had also taken several special measures to address barriers that the Roma had

been facing in the area of housing.

8. Romania had continued to pursue a policy aimed at preventing and sanctioning all

forms of discrimination. The Government had developed and adopted the “Equality,

Inclusion, Diversity” Strategy 2016–2020, based on the recommendations of the Council of

Europe and the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights. It built on the

2007–2013 strategy and on the need to ensure greater coherence in the implementation of

anti-discrimination legislation. Additionally, many sectoral strategies concerning human

rights contained provisions on combating discrimination. Awareness-raising activities had

been carried out in the framework of those strategies in order to effectively achieve the

desired results. For example, between 2015 and 2017, several public awareness-raising

campaigns had been carried out and professional training delivered on gender equality.

9. The National Council for Combating Discrimination had become increasingly

effective in its work. It had received a growing number of petitions over the reporting

period. It had also received more requests to provide its expert opinion on judicial

proceedings. The courts had continued to play an important role in ensuring respect of the

principle of non-discrimination by giving due consideration to European and international

practices.

10. The Government attributed great importance to the protection of the rights of

persons belonging to vulnerable groups. It had therefore adopted a series of normative acts

to improve protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. A national strategy for

2016–2020 entitled “A society without barriers for persons with disabilities” aimed to

ensure the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and

embraced the vision of the European Disability Strategy 2010–2020. The national strategy

underlined the authorities’ commitment to improving the quality of life of persons with

disabilities.

11. Several measures had been taken regarding the legal representation of persons with

disabilities during the reporting period. For example, a new law adopted in 2016 provided

for the creation of a council to monitor the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities in general and in particular, to review the protection of the rights

of persons with disabilities in residential institutions and to follow up cases of deaths in

such institutions. The Prosecutor General had set out clear guidelines on how to conduct

effective investigations into reports of violations of the rights of persons with disabilities.

The Prosecutor’s Office had taken several measures to ensure that crimes perpetrated

against persons with disabilities in residential institutions or against individuals placed in

mental health institutions were effectively investigated.

12. The Government continued to pursue efforts to reduce child poverty, including by

relying on financial support from the European Union. All the national strategies addressing

the social exclusion of different groups of vulnerable children set a requirement for an

integrated national response to address the multiple drivers of inequality. The provision of

individualized and integrated support through single entry points or personalized case

managers could improve the effectiveness and efficiency of social services. The National

Authority for the Protection of the Rights of the Child and Adoption had strengthened its

capacity to develop new, evidence-based policies for deinstitutionalization by making use

of funds from the European Union.

13. Additionally, in 2017, Parliament had adopted a law establishing the Ombudsman

for Children, following recommendations from several United Nations human rights

bodies. Thus, Romania would have an independent institution to supervise the way

children’s rights were respected nationwide in 2018.

14. Measures had also been taken to address violence against children. Several

awareness-raising campaigns conducted by the Government in partnership with the United

Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and civil society organizations had contributed to the

recognition of various forms of violence and abuse. The number of reported cases of

physical violence and neglect had increased. In 2016, Romania had become a pioneer in the

Global Partnership to End Violence against Children, committing to identify and

operationalize initiatives to end violence against children, and to deliver comprehensive

prevention and response services against violence.

15. The National Agency against Trafficking in Persons had been managing an

integrated system for maintaining regular contact with the victims of human trafficking.

The system contained data on victims of human trafficking identified in Romania, as well

as Romanian citizens identified as victims abroad.

16. The Romanian Constitution and other laws provided guarantees for the

independence of the judiciary. The national strategy for the development of the judiciary

2015–2020 and its subsequent action plan aimed at improving the efficiency of the

judiciary. To date, the work on developing a comprehensive legislative framework on the

functioning of the judiciary had been completed.

17. The national report outlined the efforts of the Government to address prison

overcrowding. Significant progress had been made by reducing the shortage of detention

places from 18,000 in 2012 to 4,300 in 2018. That issue would be fully addressed in the

near future.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

18. During the interactive dialogue, 78 delegations made statements. Recommendations

made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.

19. Australia commended Romania for the progress made in implementing reforms

concerning anti-corruption and the judiciary. It encouraged Romania to continue its efforts

towards gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Australia expressed

concern about reports of discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.

20. Israel commended Romania for its role as a chair of the International Holocaust

Remembrance Alliance. It noted the importance of the work of the National Council for

Combating Discrimination and the measures taken to prevent discrimination against people

living with HIV/AIDS.

21. Italy welcomed the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing

and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (the Istanbul

Convention), the adoption of the new Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes, the

establishment of a department on prevention of torture within the Ombudsman’s Office and

the measures aiming at Roma inclusion.

22. Japan welcomed the efforts of Romania to combat human trafficking, and the re-

establishment of the National Authority for the Protection of the Rights of the Child and

Adoption and legislative measures to protect the rights of children.

23. Malaysia was encouraged by the efforts of Romania to make education at all levels

more accessible to a wider section of the population, including by setting up inclusive

education centres, increasing access to education for children with special needs and

adopting a national strategy to prevent children from dropping out of school.

24. Maldives commended Romania for the steps it had taken to strengthen the judiciary.

Maldives was encouraged by the Government’s efforts to promote and protect the rights of

persons with disabilities, and welcomed the relevant national strategy.

25. Mexico welcomed the progress made towards eliminating discrimination against

women and promoting gender equality, including the establishment of the National Agency

for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men and the adoption of the national strategy.

26. Mongolia noted that issues such as gender inequality, domestic violence, women

living in poverty, women’s employment, the wage gap and discrimination required serious

attention. It expressed concern at the situation in the health sector.

27. Montenegro commended Romania for the progress achieved in judicial reform,

fighting corruption and human rights protection overall. It encouraged Romania to continue

strengthening inclusive policies, particularly in education, social and health protection and

access to the labour market.

28. Morocco welcomed the fact that Romania was considering ratifying the Optional

Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and its efforts in the

field of human rights education, including professional training.

29. Mozambique commended Romania for its ratification of several international human

rights instruments, which demonstrated its political commitment to protecting and fulfilling

the rights of its people.

30. The Netherlands welcomed the ratification by Romania of the Istanbul Convention

and urged it to expedite the process of harmonizing national legislation with the provisions

of the Convention.

31. Norway noted the efforts of Romania to reform the judiciary and to fight corruption.

Norway stated that Roma children and children with disabilities faced discrimination,

despite progress made in those areas.

32. Panama acknowledged the efforts of the Government to improve the legislative and

institutional framework and the measures targeting the judiciary, corruption, human

trafficking and discrimination against children. It noted challenges in ensuring the rights of

persons with disabilities, older persons and minorities.

33. Peru noted the efforts of Romania to protect human rights, including its strategy for

the inclusion of Romanian citizens belonging to the Roma minority and the inclusion of an

intercultural perspective in the school curriculum.

34. The Philippines commended Romania for its policy to combat all forms of

discrimination and for the broad consultations conducted in the process of adopting a

national anti-discrimination strategy. It noted the “Equality, Inclusion, Diversity” Strategy

2016–2020.

35. Portugal thanked Romania for its comprehensive national report.

36. Qatar noted various legislative and institutional measures taken by Romania to

implement the recommendations from the previous review and appreciated the annual

increase in the budget to address challenges in the education system, including the number

of children who dropped out of school.

37. The Republic of Korea commended Romania for its National Anti-Corruption

Strategy 2016–2020 and for legislative measures to combat human trafficking. It urged

Romania to strengthen its ongoing efforts to ensure social and economic justice and

inclusiveness.

38. The Republic of Moldova welcomed the national strategies concerning children,

persons with disabilities and the Roma, and the results achieved from the introduction of

legislative measures to combat human trafficking, child sexual exploitation and violence

against women.

39. The Russian Federation expressed concern about the situation of the Roma and

about cases of child labour. It noted problems in ensuring the independence of the judiciary

and in enforcing judicial decisions, and delays in the administration of justice.

40. Senegal commended Romania for its national strategies to protect persons with

disabilities and the Roma minority, and to combat poverty. It welcomed the National

Authority for the Protection of the Rights of the Child and Adoption, and legislation on

human trafficking.

41. Serbia noted the establishment of institutions relating to human rights, including for

the prevention of torture, inclusive education and national minorities. It encouraged the

authorities to continue to ensure that hate speech was not tolerated and that perpetrators

were brought to justice.

42. Sierra Leone noted the adoption of strategies on the rights of children and on mental

health, and the criminalization of human trafficking. It encouraged Romania to intensify its

efforts to protect the rights of Roma children and children with disabilities.

43. Slovenia noted with regret the high rate of teenage pregnancies, which could be

attributed to the absence of a strategy on reproductive health. It commended Romania for

its measures to protect the rights of children, including to improve their access to health

care and education.

44. Spain welcomed the commitment of Romania to ensure gender equality and to

implement Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and the women and peace and security

agenda.

45. The State of Palestine was concerned about racist hate crimes against the Roma and

negative stereotypes in public and political speech, despite efforts to combat discrimination.

It welcomed the steps Romania had taken regarding business and human rights.

46. Sweden acknowledged the continued work of Romania to fulfil its human rights

obligations and encouraged further efforts.

47. Switzerland welcomed efforts aimed at combating segregation in the education

system. It noted shortcomings in the fields of adequate housing, education and health care,

and the fact that poverty and social exclusion affected a large number of Romanian

children.

48. Timor-Leste welcomed the adoption of national strategies on the inclusion of the

Roma, on the protection of the rights of children and on mental health. It remained

concerned about widespread discrimination against the Roma.

49. Tunisia praised Romania for its efforts to establish an institutional framework for the

protection of human rights and for adopting strategies relating to the protection of the rights

of children.

50. Turkmenistan noted that the Government had involved civil society organizations in

the preparation of the national report. It also noted the national policy on ensuring equality

and inclusion of minorities.

51. Ukraine welcomed the steps taken by Romania to ensure that the Romanian Institute

for Human Rights was in compliance with the principles relating to the status of national

institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles). It also

welcomed the constructive approach to the protection of the rights of national minorities

through dialogue and cooperation.

52. The United Kingdom welcomed efforts to improve prison conditions, and the

ratification of the Istanbul Convention. It encouraged more action on the rights of lesbian,

gay, bisexual and transgender persons.

53. The United States, while commending the commitment of Romania to promoting

human rights, expressed concern about legislative amendments that could undermine

judicial independence, reports of unfair treatment of religious minorities and insufficient

progress in combating discrimination against the Roma.

54. Uruguay, while commending the efforts of Romania to protect the rights of children,

hoped that Romania would implement a previous review recommendation on birth

registration. It noted the persistence of hate speech against the Roma, discrimination against

vulnerable groups and gender discrimination.

55. The delegation of Romania stated that the Government had consolidated a

comprehensive system to combat discrimination in line with the standards of the United

Nations, the Council of Europe and the European Union. Within the framework of

preventive measures, the Government had organized public awareness campaigns and

provided training for relevant professionals, including judges, law enforcement officers and

public officials. The judiciary had gained substantial knowledge and experience in dealing

with cases of discrimination in accordance with international standards. While the number

of reported cases had increased, underreporting remained a problem. The legislative and

institutional frameworks on combating discrimination had been effective and accessible to

victims of discrimination who sought redress. The Government had drafted a national anti-

discrimination strategy.

56. Perpetrators of hate speech had been prosecuted and sanctioned, regardless of their

background, including their status as public figures.

57. The Government had taken significant steps to ensure the inclusion of children with

disabilities in education, particularly by revising the relevant procedure to provide social

benefits for children with disabilities when accessing education. The amount of social

benefits for persons with disabilities, including children, had been significantly increased.

The Government had officially recognized sign language as a communication tool.

58. The Government had taken measures to reinforce the 4 per cent employment quota

system for persons with disabilities and it had been respected, including by public

institutions. To that end, sanctions had been increased for non-compliance with the quota.

In 2017, the Government had assessed a large number of public institutions to ensure their

accessibility for persons with disabilities. It had taken practical measures to foster the

deinstitutionalization of persons with disabilities and support their transition to community-

based services, including by allocating significant financial resources. It had made efforts to

remove barriers to ensure the social inclusion of persons with disabilities.

59. The National Agency for Roma would continue updating the National Action Plan

for Roma, by taking into account recommendations from the European Union and the

2017–2020 government programme, which was aimed at developing and implementing

sustainable policies in order to reduce the gap between the Roma and non-Roma

populations, promoting diversity and combating discrimination. The Agency would

continue to develop a monitoring and evaluation system in order to measure progress in the

social inclusion of the Roma. It would also set up a task force to implement specific

solutions for housing and eviction issues.

60. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela praised several measures that had been taken

to promote the rights of children with disabilities and access to education for children from

vulnerable families, prevent discrimination against the Roma, strengthen the judiciary,

combat human trafficking, prevent domestic violence and reduce infant mortality.

61. Viet Nam commended the adoption of laws on access to education for children from

disadvantaged families and to health care and community services for disadvantaged

people.

62. Afghanistan commended legislative steps in the fields of non-discrimination and

gender equality, following up on recommendations from the previous review.

63. Albania commended strategies and efforts to strengthen the judiciary and improve

education, as well as the anti-corruption measures taken since the previous review. It

welcomed efforts to strengthen the institutional human rights framework to comply with the

Paris Principles.

64. Algeria welcomed measures taken to implement recommendations from the previous

review relating to the judiciary, the fight against corruption and the rights of vulnerable

groups. It welcomed steps to improve access to education and housing.

65. Andorra praised the efforts of Romania to ratify international human rights

instruments.

66. Angola commended Romania for its continuing commitment to the human rights

treaty bodies.

67. Armenia appreciated the legislative measures taken to protect the rights of children

and encouraged Romania to pursue those efforts. It welcomed steps taken to combat human

trafficking, including the adoption of legislation and the provision of training to relevant

professionals.

68. Ireland acknowledged the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy

and the increased spending on education. It urged Romania to tackle societal prejudice

towards national minorities and allocate resources to implement the strategy for the

inclusion of Romanian citizens belonging to the Roma minority 2015–2020.

69. While commending Romania for its progress in human rights, Austria expressed

concern over the dire housing situation of the Roma and about the social marginalization,

ill-treatment and inadequate living conditions of persons with disabilities.

70. Azerbaijan recognized the efforts of Romania to increase the quality and

accountability of the justice system, including the strategy for the development of the

judiciary, and to prevent and combat corruption through the implementation of the National

Anti-Corruption Strategy.

71. Belarus noted the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the adoption of the strategy for the inclusion of Romanian citizens

belonging to the Roma minority 2015–2020. It stated that additional efforts were required

to achieve progress on social issues.

72. Belgium noted the positive measures taken by Romania to implement the

recommendations from the previous review. Nevertheless, additional action should be taken

to strengthen human rights protection in accordance with international human rights

treaties, particularly in the area of non-discrimination.

73. The Plurinational State of Bolivia requested additional information on the

experience of Romania in promoting breastfeeding. It invited Romania to participate and

support the draft declaration on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural

areas.

74. Brazil acknowledged the accession of Romania to the statelessness conventions, but

was concerned that the citizenship law did not provide safeguards against statelessness for

children born in the territory who would otherwise be stateless.

75. Bulgaria highlighted the efforts of Romania to prevent and combat corruption and

ensure institutional transparency in the public sector. It commended the legislative

amendments introduced to achieve equality between men and women and to protect the

rights of persons with disabilities.

76. Canada encouraged Romania to take further steps to improve health care, housing

and employment and increase access to education for the Roma. It supported efforts to

counter domestic violence and violence against women.

77. Chad commended Romania for putting in place institutional mechanisms for the

implementation of laws and policies for the protection of human rights. It welcomed the

adoption of the 2016–2020 national strategy entitled “A society without barriers for persons

with disabilities”.

78. Chile congratulated Romania for establishing an interministerial committee to

combat domestic violence, and welcomed efforts to improve prison conditions. It noted

current challenges, such as discrimination against the Roma.

79. China praised the progress made by Romania in the protection of human rights. It

noted with appreciation the strengthening of the legislative framework and the significant

developments in the education and health sectors and the promotion of gender equality.

80. Côte d’Ivoire appreciated the reforms undertaken by the Government to follow up

on recommendations from the previous review. It welcomed the adoption of the action plan

for the implementation of the strategy for the development of the judiciary 2015–2020.

81. Croatia welcomed the national strategy on the protection and promotion of

children’s rights 2014–2020. It encouraged Romania to continue pursuing its efforts to

implement the legislative framework on domestic violence and to ensure more efficient

assistance to the victims of violence.

82. Cuba acknowledged the measures taken by the Government that were highlighted in

the national report and demonstrated the commitment of Romania to addressing the current

challenges in the area of human rights. It noted the improvements that had been made to

ensure the protection of the rights of children, particularly Roma children and children with

disabilities.

83. Cyprus noted the criminalization of all offences relating to human trafficking under

the new Criminal Code and the measures taken to improve the inclusion of the Roma. It

encouraged Romania to continue its efforts to combat all forms of discrimination, including

through the adoption of a national strategy.

84. Czechia acknowledged the progress made in several human rights areas and

encouraged Romania to pursue its efforts.

85. Egypt took note of the positive developments in the human rights situation in

Romania.

86. Estonia called on Romania to provide sufficient resources to the mechanisms aimed

at protecting the rights of children. It expected that the new anti-corruption strategy would

assist in addressing corruption effectively. Estonia was concerned about attempts to restrict

the media and harass journalists.

87. Finland welcomed the legislative changes ensuring that all children born in hospital

received a national identity document, and the adoption of the law on promoting

participation in preschool education of children from disadvantaged families. It was

imperative that decisive action be taken to implement that law.

88. France highlighted the importance of pursuing the efforts made to fight corruption.

89. Georgia commended Romania for ratifying the Istanbul Convention. It welcomed

the adoption of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2016–2020.

90. Germany commended Romania for the progress made with regard to the work of the

National Council for Combating Discrimination. It remained concerned about the human

rights situation of persons from vulnerable groups, including the Roma and lesbian, gay,

bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.

91. Ghana commended Romania for the progress made in the area of human rights,

including the adoption of laws to protect the rights of children and of persons with

disabilities and to combat domestic violence. It expressed concern about discrimination

against Roma children, children with disabilities and refugee children.

92. Greece expressed appreciation for the effective implementation by Romania of the

two national anti-corruption strategies. It also welcomed the importance attributed to

human rights education, particularly the professional training provided for schoolteachers,

judges and lawyers.

93. Honduras welcomed the action taken by Romania to implement the

recommendations received during the previous review cycles. It praised the progress made

in combating corruption and policies to fight against trafficking in persons.

94. Hungary noted its efforts to build a relationship with Romania based on mutual

respect. It stated that a recent public statement by a representative of the Government of

Romania, containing threats against a national minority, was inconsistent with international

human rights values.

95. Iceland welcomed the work that had been carried out to promote inclusive education

and reduce discrimination in schools between Roma and non-Roma, while noting that

further improvements were needed, as highlighted in the national report.

96. India welcomed the establishment of the National Commission for Desegregation

and Educational Inclusion, the department on prevention of torture in places of detention

within the Ombudsman’s Office and the National Agency for the Administration of Seized

Assets. It noted the continued efforts of the Government on the inclusion of the Roma

community.

97. Indonesia commended Romania for its efforts to develop human rights education

and training for democratic citizenship, as well as measures to guarantee the rights of

migrants.

98. The Islamic Republic of Iran noted the action plan for the implementation of the

strategy for the development of the judiciary 2015–2020 and the National Anti-Corruption

Strategy 2016–2020.

99. Iraq welcomed the adoption of the action plan for the implementation of the strategy

for the development of the judiciary 2015–2020 and the National Anti-Corruption Strategy,

and the amendments to some national legislation.

100. Slovakia commended Romania for its efforts to address human rights issues and

improve the legislative framework. It valued the adoption of two national strategies, one

relating to the protection of the rights of children and one to mental health.

101. Argentina highlighted the section of the national report concerning vulnerable

groups, children, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and hate crimes.

102. The delegation of Romania said that efforts were being made to modernize detention

facilities and reduce prison overcrowding. Renovations to existing prisons and the

construction of new buildings helped address issues relating to detention conditions and the

shortage of detention places. The construction of two new penitentiaries had been planned

by 2023. Investment in penitentiary infrastructure had been funded by the State budget, as

would continue to be the case. In addition, financial support had been received from the

Government of Norway, and loans had been made by international organizations. The

Government had also taken several measures to address the shortage of prison staff and

ensure effective management of prison incidents. The Government had prepared a detailed

timetable, covering the period to 2024, to overcome prison overcrowding, improve

detention conditions and ensure that effective remedies were available to compensate for

damages caused in the past as a result of those issues.

103. Combating human trafficking remained a priority for the Government. The national

strategy against trafficking of human beings 2012–2016 has focused on prevention and

protection measures. A large part of the educational and awareness-raising activities had

targeted groups that were particularly vulnerable to human trafficking. Romania had taken

measures to improve victim identification and to ensure effective investigation of cases of

human trafficking and prosecution of perpetrators, including seizing the assets of and

profits made by human traffickers. It had strengthened international cooperation in order to

fight trafficking in human beings effectively through increased participation in joint

investigation teams for human trafficking cases.

104. As a result of legislative reforms implemented in 2014, particularly amendments to

the Civil Code, the number of persons deprived of liberty had fallen and the use of

alternative measures of punishment had increased. The Government had ensured that

human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) had increased access to places of

police detention in order to carry out monitoring visits.

105. The Government had taken several measures to build trust and understanding

between the police and the Roma minority, which had resulted in an increase in the number

of police officers of Roma origin. The Police Academy provided professional training on

the protection of human rights and combating discrimination. Between 2013 and 2016, over

300 police officers had received training in the Romani language and culture. To better

connect with the needs of the Roma community, specialized community policing for the

Roma communities had been set up in 2013, with financial support from the Swiss-

Romanian Cooperation Programme. An advisory committee had been set up to study police

interventions in multi-ethnic communities and put forward recommendations on how to

effectively organize and carry out such actions, as well as document and disseminate good

practices in the field of Roma-police relations. Additionally, since 2017 police officers had

been receiving training on the Holocaust.

106. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has been promoting gender equality among law

enforcement officers. There were currently over 10,000 women police officers. The current

Minister of Internal Affairs was the first woman to head a ministry in Romania.

107. The new amendments to the law on the Ombudsman had introduced provisions to

ensure the full compliance of the Ombudsman’s Office with the Paris Principles, which

would assist in its accreditation as a national human rights institution. The Ombudsman’s

Office had been allocated an adequate budget for 2018 for its effective functioning under

the expanded mandate.

108. The Ombudsman for Children had been established under new legislation and could

receive complaints concerning violations of the rights of children and carry out anonymous

visits to detention centres, foster-care centres and educational and health institutions. The

Ombudsman had been authorized to file criminal complaints for cases of violence against

and abuse of a child. Romania would carefully consider the issue of ratification of the

Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications

procedure.

109. The relevant laws and strategies provided the necessary guarantees for the protection

of children against violence in all settings. The legal framework provided for effective

cooperation among the relevant State bodies, including local authorities, to effectively

protect children.

110. Several State officials involved in addressing domestic violence had received

specialized training. The law on combating domestic violence provided victims of domestic

violence with special protection, as well as rehabilitation, social reintegration and medical

services. A helpline for victims of domestic violence was in operation in the country. The

number of prosecutions relating to cases of domestic violence had increased. Judges had

received specialized training on domestic violence.

111. From January 2018, prosecutor’s offices had been collecting disaggregated data

based on all the forms of discrimination enumerated in the Criminal Code. Special hearing

rooms for children had been established in several courts.

112. The implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2016–2020 was being

monitored by the Ministry of Justice through the technical secretariat of the Strategy.

113. The delegation considered that the statement made by one State Member of the

United Nations in relation to a declaration made by a representative of the Government of

Romania to be an example of fake news, and suggested that the content of that declaration

be verified in order to avoid such a mistake. The delegation thanked all States Members of

the United Nations that had taken part in the interactive dialogue. The authorities of

Romania remained committed to promoting and protecting the human rights of every

individual. The Government would continue to make every effort to implement the highest

standards in that area, in accordance with its international commitments.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations

114. The following recommendations will be examined by Romania, which will

provide responses in due time, but no later than the thirty-eighth session of the

Human Rights Council:

114.1 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All

Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Montenegro) (Panama);

114.2 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All

Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Honduras);

114.3 Continue its efforts aimed at ratifying the International

Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance

(Argentina);

114.4 Ratify, as soon as possible, the International Convention for the

Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Japan);

114.5 Ratify the International Labour Organization (ILO) Domestic

Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) (Panama);

114.6 Consider ratifying the ILO Domestic Workers Convention

(Philippines);

114.7 Consider ratifying the International Convention on the Protection

of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families

(Morocco) (Philippines);

114.8 Consider ratifying the International Convention on the Protection

of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Egypt);

114.9 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the

Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Timor-Leste)

(Chile);

114.10 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the

Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Honduras);

114.11 Ratify, among others, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on

the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Mozambique);

114.12 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities (Cyprus);

114.13 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities (Honduras);

114.14 Sign the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities (Spain);

114.15 Ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

(Chile);

114.16 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Portugal);

114.17 Sign the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Spain);

114.18 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of

the Child on a communications procedure (Andorra) (Czechia) (Slovakia);

114.19 Sign the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the

Child on a communications procedure (Spain);

114.20 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the

Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol to the Convention

on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure (Albania);

114.21 Accede to the International Convention for the Protection of All

Persons from Enforced Disappearance and to the Optional Protocols to which

it is committed, notably the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights

of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Sierra Leone);

114.22 Ratify the Amendments to the Rome Statute of the International

Criminal Court on the crime of aggression (Andorra);

114.23 Consider recognizing the competence of the Committee against

Torture to receive individual communications in accordance with article 22 of

the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading

Treatment or Punishment (Morocco);

114.24 Adopt an open, merit-based process when selecting national

candidates for United Nations treaty body elections (United Kingdom of Great

Britain and Northern Ireland);

114.25 Ensure the compliance of the national human rights institution

with the Paris Principles (Qatar);

114.26 Ensure the Romanian Institute for Human Rights is in full

compliance with the Paris Principles (Republic of Korea);

114.27 Ensure that its Institute for Human Rights is in full compliance

with the Paris Principles (Timor-Leste);

114.28 Finalize the process of accreditation of national human rights

institutions with the status responding to the Paris Principles (Ukraine);

114.29 Ensure the proper functioning of the newly established Children’s

Ombudsman in accordance with the Paris Principles (Republic of Moldova);

114.30 Pursue all necessary steps with the aim of establishing an

ombudsperson for children’s rights (Cyprus);

114.31 Implement the law on the creation of an independent and

autonomous Children’s Ombudsperson under the existing Ombudsperson’s

institution with clear objectives and power to protect and to monitor children’s

rights and to ensure also protection of youth rights (Slovenia);

114.32 Strengthen the resources of the independent institution on the

protection of the rights of children and youth to enable it to function efficiently

(Senegal);

114.33 Step up efforts for the creation of an independent institution for

the protection of the rights of children and youth (Greece);

114.34 Consider the establishment or strengthening of the existing

national mechanism for coordination, implementation, reporting and follow-up,

in line with the elements arising from good practices identified in the 2016

OHCHR guide on national mechanisms for reporting and follow-up (Portugal);

114.35 Carry out a comprehensive review of its national system for

human rights in order to correct existing duplication between the different

component bodies, rationalize resources and render it more effective

(Honduras);

114.36 Ensure that the modifications to the Justice Laws and Criminal

Codes do not impede the human rights of its citizens and take into full

consideration the relevant opinion of the European Commission for Democracy

through Law (the Venice Commission) (Netherlands);

114.37 Comply with the recommendations of the European

Commission’s Cooperation and Verification Mechanism and make sure those

reforms are irreversible and sustainable, in order to allow for the Cooperation

and Verification Mechanism to be concluded (Sweden);

114.38 Continue to ensure the rule of law, by following the

recommendations of the European Union’s Cooperation and Verification

Mechanism, and by seizing the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe

without delay to carry out an evaluation of the reform of the judiciary, of draft

legislation regarding the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code, as

well as the draft law on the conditions for the functioning of civil society

organizations (France);1

114.39 Implement its strategies on equality, inclusion and diversity, as

well as the corresponding operational plans, which will allow it to continue to

make progress in the fight against discrimination (Cuba);

114.40 Adopt as quickly as possible the Multi-Annual Strategy on

Preventing and Combating Discrimination (Germany);

114.41 Expedite the approval of the “Equality, Inclusion, Diversity”

Strategy 2016–2020 and its Operational Plan aiming at combating

discrimination and hate crimes (Indonesia);

114.42 Review its national anti-discrimination legislation and polices so

as to incorporate all non-discrimination criteria, including gender identity and

sexual orientation (Honduras);

114.43 Continue efforts to ensure gender equality and promote women’s

rights (Tunisia);

114.44 Harmonize gender equality for guaranteeing equal rights

(Turkmenistan);

1 The recommendation, as read during the interactive dialogue, was: “Ensure the rule of law, by following the recommendations of the European Union’s Cooperation and Verification Mechanism, and by seizing the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe without delay to carry out an

evaluation of the reform of the judiciary, of draft legislation regarding the Criminal Code and the

Criminal Procedure Code, as well as the draft law on the conditions for the functioning of civil

society organizations.”

114.45 Adopt a legal mechanism to promote gender equality and social

inclusion for all (Angola);

114.46 Continue efforts to combat all forms of discrimination and

stigmatization, and hate speech (Tunisia);

114.47 Eradicate social exclusion and statements of public figures

(political or religious) which hamper the sexual health and reproductive rights

of women (Uruguay);

114.48 Ensure that the National Council for Combating Discrimination

increases its efforts to fight discrimination against people belonging to minority

and other vulnerable groups (Israel);

114.49 Continue to conduct awareness-raising campaigns at the national

level aimed at reducing prejudice, hate speech and discrimination against

minorities and vulnerable groups (Mexico);2

114.50 Adopt a law punishing discriminatory and racist statements made

in public or in the media against representatives of national minorities (Russian

Federation);

114.51 Adopt and implement a strategy to combat discrimination against

members of minority groups, including religious groups (United States of

America);

114.52 Take urgent measures to investigate and sanction acts of hatred

such as discrimination against migrants, minorities and lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgender and intersex persons, in particular those acts carried out by public

officials (Argentina);

114.53 Combat racial stereotypes and incitement to hatred by

intensifying efforts aimed at promoting tolerance, notably with regard to

persons belonging to the Roma minority (France);

114.54 Continue to combat discrimination and uphold the rights of those

marginalized in its society, especially the Roma population (Philippines);

114.55 Adopt specific legislative and policy measures, with a gender

focus, to combat discrimination against the Roma in law and in practice, which

include positive measures to guarantee inclusion in the areas of health,

education, housing and employment, particularly in rural areas (Honduras);

114.56 Continue efforts to fight prejudice and negative stereotypes that

discriminate and exclude the Roma, and in that framework, end illegal forced

evictions of the Roma (Peru);

114.57 Address the root causes of discrimination and social exclusion

faced by Roma, especially prejudices and negative stereotypes (Panama);

114.58 Strengthen efforts to eliminate discrimination against Roma and

to ensure in particular their access to education, social housing, health care and

employment without discrimination (Austria);

114.59 Continue to address negative prejudices and stereotypes, which

are among the main causes of systemic discrimination and social exclusion

experienced by Roma (State of Palestine);

114.60 Continue working to eradicate all forms of stigmatization and

discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity (Chile);

2 The recommendation, as read during the interactive dialogue, was: “Conduct awareness-raising campaigns at the national level aimed at reducing prejudice, hate speech and discrimination against

minorities and vulnerable groups.”

114.61 Intensify efforts to combat all forms of discrimination, especially

against persons with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and

intersex persons, including by promoting a culture of equality and by removing

obstacles to the enjoyment of their rights (Italy);

114.62 Continue efforts to combat discrimination and protect vulnerable

groups, particularly lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people,

and take steps to fully implement, monitor and evaluate the national strategy

on equality and non-discrimination (Australia);

114.63 Invest in more training and awareness-raising initiatives for police

officers, judges and prosecutors to guarantee effective investigations of crimes

against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community (Spain);

114.64 Develop and implement programmes to counter discrimination

against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, including

public awareness campaigns and specialized training for law enforcement

officials (Canada);

114.65 Increase the organization of awareness-raising campaigns to

enhance the understanding of the general population of the rights of lesbian,

gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, paying particular attention to

raising awareness among students (Belgium);

114.66 Take active measures to prevent discrimination against the

lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community, for example by

including gender identity in the list of criteria of non-discrimination and

making provision in law for same-sex civil partnership and marriage (Ireland);

114.67 Introduce a civil legal partnership between same-sex couples, and

refrain from a referendum on constitutional changes prohibiting same-sex

couples from marrying, which would likely increase negative sentiments against

lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people (Sweden);

114.68 Ensure that acts of discrimination and violence against lesbian,

gay, bisexual and transgender persons and persons belonging to other

vulnerable groups are properly investigated and perpetrators held accountable

(Austria);

114.69 Promote more tolerance towards persons belonging to the lesbian,

gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community (Greece);

114.70 Launch an awareness-raising programme for the public against

negative prejudice and discrimination against persons based on their sexual

orientation or gender identity and against persons with HIV/AIDS (Czechia);

114.71 Adopt a law or a code of conduct prohibiting and criminalizing

incitement to hatred, which would apply to political figures and

Parliamentarians making racist, homophobic or xenophobic speeches or of any

other intolerant nature (Uruguay);

114.72 Take measures to prevent hate crimes, in particular driven by

racial and discriminatory motives (Republic of Korea);

114.73 Take measures to effectively combat hate speech and hate crimes,

notably by ensuring that all their forms are specifically addressed and punished

by law, as recommended by the treaty bodies (Belgium);

114.74 Ensure that the law prohibiting incitement to hatred is applied to

all politicians who use racist rhetoric (Côte d’Ivoire);

114.75 Take steps to address all reported cases of racist hate crimes

committed against the Roma minority, including anti-Roma hate speech

rhetoric and negative stereotypes (Ghana);

114.76 Collect and publish data on hate crimes that include motivation,

for example whether the crime is motivated by a bias against the victim’s race,

religion, sexual orientation or gender identity, or disability status (United States

of America);

114.77 Systematically collect and publish disaggregated statistical data

concerning hate crimes, which should include information on the motives of the

perpetrators (Germany);

114.78 Continue to prevent and combat discrimination in education and

health care (Serbia);

114.79 Provide funding and human resources in rural areas to reduce

and eliminate disparities, with particular focus on access to education, access to

birth registration and abolishment of classroom segregation (Norway);

114.80 Strengthen measures to reduce inequalities between urban and

rural areas, especially on access to basic services (Angola);

114.81 Improve the access of the rural population to education and

health care (France);

114.82 Continue its anti-corruption efforts by fully implementing its

National Anti-Corruption Strategy, and entrenching judicial independence

(Australia);

114.83 Support and intensify efforts to combat corruption by

implementing the Anti-Corruption Strategy and safeguarding the work of the

National Anti-Corruption Directorate and the High Court of Cassation and

Justice (Canada);

114.84 Take measures to combat corruption in the health sector

(Republic of Korea);

114.85 Continue to fight corruption in the heath sector, by taking both

criminal action as well as measures to increase awareness of the negative effects

of informal payments within the medical profession (France);

114.86 Continue its efforts to further improve efficiency, accountability

and transparency in the public service of the country (Azerbaijan);

114.87 Intensify oversight over Romanian companies operating abroad

with regard to any negative impact of their activities on the enjoyment of

human rights, particularly in conflict areas, which includes situations of foreign

occupation, where there are heightened risks of human rights abuses (State of

Palestine);

114.88 Continue to strengthen measures to implement legislation against

domestic violence (Maldives);

114.89 Design and implement a national plan to combat gender-based

violence as well as provide greater resources to assist victims (Spain);

114.90 Create integrated support services for survivors of sexual

violence, including in cases in which the aggressor is not a family member, and

amend Law No. 217/2003 on preventing and combating domestic violence in

order to expand its scope to all forms of gender-based violence (Portugal);

114.91 Develop and adopt a national strategy to combat gender-based

violence, amend the law on domestic violence to extend it to cover all forms of

gender-based violence and ensure that the revised law is fully implemented

(Chad);

114.92 Continue with efforts to ensure broader access of victims of

gender-based and domestic violence to justice and regulate clearly their

protections (Croatia);

114.93 Monitor the implementation of the amended law on combating

domestic violence and use the results to further improve the prosecution of

domestic violence and ensure that all perpetrators are adequately punished

(Czechia);

114.94 Strengthen programmes to fight domestic violence (Iraq);

114.95 Reject legislation weakening the rule of law and endangering the

fight against corruption (United States of America);

114.96 Continue judicial reforms and fight corruption in line with

international standards (Norway);

114.97 Finalize the reform of the judiciary (Senegal);

114.98 Preserve and reinforce the independence of the judiciary to

ensure the sustainability of governance reforms through the implementation of

the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism recommendations set forth by the

European Commission (Canada);

114.99 Take measures to reform the judicial branch and to enhance the

effectiveness of the work of the Prosecutor’s Office and the level of professional

capacity of its staff (Russian Federation);

114.100 Develop a national strategy to facilitate access to justice for

vulnerable groups, including by providing training on human rights to the staff

of the judiciary (Mexico);

114.101 Adopt legislative measures to include proportional punishment

for illegal and cruel treatment of detainees and prisoners (Russian Federation);

114.102 Take measures to identify and prevent the activities of criminal

groups using children in illegal businesses, including prostitution and

pornography (Russian Federation);

114.103 Remove any existing restriction to the practice of pro bono legal

advice, counselling or services provided by lawyers to those in need of legal aid

who are unable to afford legal representation (Portugal);

114.104 Ensure that all persons deprived of their liberty by the police have

the right to a defence and to hold discussions with a lawyer, as provided for in

Romanian law (Islamic Republic of Iran);

114.105 Ensure all allegations of ill-treatment committed by law

enforcement officers are promptly and effectively investigated (Austria);

114.106 Direct further focus to safeguarding freedom of expression and

media freedom (Estonia);

114.107 Intensify efforts to combat modern slavery by protecting the

rights of victims, including their right to anonymity, and provide assistance to

victims, including, where appropriate, shelter, counselling and a 24/7 hotline

(United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

114.108 Take further measures to combat human trafficking and to

ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice (Armenia);

114.109 Further intensify its efforts to prevent human trafficking by

investigating cases proactively, bringing offenders to successful prosecution and

imposing proportionate sanctions (Ireland);

114.110 Continue the national efforts aimed at combating trafficking in

persons and exploitation of children (Egypt);

114.111 Pursue efforts aimed at preventing, suppressing and combating

human trafficking to ensure that the objectives of the national strategy against

trafficking in persons are achieved (Ghana);

114.112 Continue the fight against trafficking in human beings and

engagement in regional and international cooperation in this respect

(Bulgaria);

114.113 Continue to effectively combat human trafficking through

legislative and administrative measures (China);

114.114 Strengthen its national strategy against trafficking in persons, and

include preventive measures aimed at addressing the vulnerable situation of

women (Honduras);

114.115 Intensify the efforts aimed at preventing trafficking for the

purposes of labour exploitation and trafficking of children (Iraq);

114.116 Intensify its efforts to prevent trafficking for the purposes of

labour exploitation and trafficking in children, and improve the timely

identification of victims of human trafficking (Islamic Republic of Iran);

114.117 Strengthen efforts to fight against human trafficking and

economic and social exploitation and enhance assistance to victims (Italy);

114.118 Steadily implement the relevant domestic laws and its national

strategy aimed at eradicating human trafficking (Japan);

114.119 Step up efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking,

especially for the purposes of sexual and labour exploitation and forced begging

through timely detection and assistance to victims (Panama);

114.120 Continue the ongoing efforts to combat trafficking in human

beings, especially trafficking of children, and protect them from sexual

exploitation (Tunisia);

114.121 Continue its efforts to prevent, suppress and combat human

trafficking (Timor-Leste);

114.122 Continue the efforts to enable tangible progress in combating

trafficking in persons (Turkmenistan);

114.123 Take consolidated measures in order to ensure effective

rehabilitation services for the victims of trafficking, exploitation and violence

against women (Republic of Moldova);

114.124 Continue strengthening the national measures aimed at providing

protection to the family as the natural and basic unit of society (Egypt);

114.125 Introduce a dedicated legal framework or amend the existing

labour legislation in order to promote the regulation of paid and quality

internships (Portugal);

114.126 Continue to promote economic and social development, promote

employment and further raise people’s living standards (China);

114.127 Continue efforts so that workers in the agricultural sector fully

enjoy their economic, social and cultural rights (Peru);

114.128 Continue consolidating its social policies and human rights,

especially in the field of economic, social and cultural rights, in order to

increase the standard of living of its people, in particular of the most vulnerable

sectors of the population (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

114.129 Strengthen policies to guarantee the human right to water in rural

areas (Plurinational State of Bolivia);

114.130 Focus more on improving the quality of health services, paying

special attention to child and maternal mortality (Mongolia);

114.131 Introduce further measures to sustain and reinforce progress

made in access to the health-care system, especially for disadvantaged people

(Viet Nam);

114.132 Strengthen health-care services to improve the life expectancy of

newborns and reduce the child and maternal mortality rates (Peru);

114.133 Introduce a national HIV prevention strategy and work with civil

society for its implementation (Australia);

114.134 Consider the adoption of a national strategy on HIV/AIDS

(Israel);

114.135 Accelerate the adoption and budgeting of the national HIV/AIDS

strategy 2018–2020 and the national strategy on sexual and reproductive health

and rights (Germany);

114.136 Increase the budget for the national tuberculosis programme and

change the legislation as necessary to treat all tuberculosis patients (Estonia);

114.137 Devote more resources to the education system in order to ensure

full and equal access to quality education for all (Viet Nam);

114.138 Take all necessary measures to ensure accessible, inclusive, high

quality education for all children without discrimination of any kind, including

for minorities such as Roma and those in a vulnerable position (Finland);

114.139 Take further measures to ensure the access of all children to

education (Iraq);

114.140 Increase the budget allocation for improving the education system

and addressing the early school leaving phenomenon (Indonesia);

114.141 Continue supporting the training of teachers in the area of human

rights education, in particular the rights of the child (Qatar);

114.142 Continue developing effective measures for the promotion of

human rights education and awareness-raising (Armenia);

114.143 Implement and ensure equal access to mandatory gender equality

and age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education within the formal

education system (Australia);

114.144 Introduce education for sexual and reproductive health in the

core curriculum for secondary education, including by setting out a concrete

timeline of implementation of such a measure (Slovenia);

114.145 Take steps to introduce comprehensive and evidence-based

sexuality education in the core curriculum for secondary education, as well as

to ensure sufficient teacher training on sexuality education (Finland);

114.146 Further accelerate its efforts to promote and protect the rights of

women (Mongolia);

114.147 Establish adequate legislative measures, which guarantee

women’s property rights after divorce, particularly in the case of unregistered

marriages (Sierra Leone);

114.148 Take measures to promote the rights of women, in particular by

addressing the recent resurgence of discourse containing stereotypes

concerning women’s rights to reproductive and sexual health (Belgium);

114.149 Ensure progress in the implementation of specific measures and

follow up on their execution to guarantee the implementation of the women and

peace and security agenda (Spain);

114.150 Adopt legislation that reflects the provisions of the Council of

Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women

and Domestic Violence, and adequately protects and assists victims through

specialized services (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

114.151 Harmonize fully its national legislation with the provisions of the

Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against

Women and Domestic Violence (the Istanbul Convention) (Estonia);

114.152 Proceed with the activation of the legislative package elaborated

by the National Agency for Equal Opportunities for the implementation of the

Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against

Women and Domestic Violence (the Istanbul Convention) (Georgia);

114.153 Strengthen the efforts made to combat violence against women by

way of information, prevention, protection of victims and punishment of the

perpetrators (Iceland);

114.154 Step up efforts to protect women against violence, in law and in

practice, including through prevention and accountability mechanisms,

especially by means of effective emergency measures in favour of victims and

their families (Brazil);

114.155 Ensure the promotion and protection of the rights of children and

youth (Islamic Republic of Iran);

114.156 Introduce effective policies to address the issue of the large

number of abandoned children left behind by parents working abroad (Japan);

114.157 Ensure free and quality education for all children, including

Roma children, strengthen its efforts to protect the rights of all children and

take necessary measures to stop violence and discrimination (Mongolia);

114.158 Improve effective implementation of the Deinstitutionalization

Plan for Children in Residential Care and Ensuring their Transition to

Community-based Care, with particular focus on prevention of

institutionalization of children under the age of 3 (Montenegro);

114.159 Implement the Deinstitutionalization Plan for Children in

Residential Care and Ensuring their Transition to Community-based Care and

put in place a strong monitoring system (Albania);

114.160 Take further steps for the implementation of the 2016

Deinstitutionalization Plan for Children in Residential Care and Ensuring their

Transition to Community-Based Care and expedite measures to broaden

inclusive education for children with disabilities (Bulgaria);

114.161 Intensify efforts to prevent trafficking in children, in particular by

training teachers and raising awareness among children through education,

and paying special attention to poor communities and migrant children

(Norway);

114.162 Intensify the work at the legislative level regarding the protection

of children from violence and ensure timely identification and prevention of

cruel treatment of children (Russian Federation);

114.163 Allocate the necessary human, technical and financial resources

for the implementation of the national strategy for the promotion and

protection of child rights 2014–2020 and of the related operational plan, with a

view to reducing poverty, social exclusion and violence against children

(Switzerland);

114.164 Develop special measures and provide the necessary financial

resources to ensure comprehensive protection of street children and provide

these children with real possibilities to receive education, medical support,

housing and food (Belarus);

114.165 Strengthen legislative efforts to end child, early and forced

marriage and sexual exploitation of children (Sierra Leone);

114.166 Guarantee specialized support services for children who have

been victims of abuse and sexual exploitation (Chile);

114.167 Continue taking steps to combat child poverty and ensuring the

well-being of children (India);

114.168 Adopt specific measures to reduce the exposure of children to the

risk of poverty (Portugal);

114.169 Take the necessary measures to fight the poverty and social

exclusion of children (Algeria);

114.170 Allocate adequate resources to ensure the effective functioning of

the National Authority for the Protection of the Rights of the Child and

Adoption (Slovakia);

114.171 Enhance efforts to protect persons with disabilities by renewing

cooperation with expert NGOs and by conducting thorough investigations into

allegations of abuse (Norway);

114.172 Improve the living conditions of persons with disabilities, in

particular by facilitating their access to the labour market and adapting centres

and other shelter mechanisms to their needs (Algeria);

114.173 Take appropriate measures to ensure the unhindered

participation of persons with disabilities in the education system and in the

labour market (Austria);

114.174 Create favourable conditions to enable national minorities to

express and develop their culture and tradition in their own language, and take

additional measures in the field of education for various minority groups,

including Roma (Afghanistan);

114.175 Amend national legislation to ensure full compliance with all

obligations and commitments related to the protection and promotion of

human rights, including those of national minorities stemming from the

ratification of minority rights treaties, including the Framework Convention

for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for

Regional or Minority Languages (Hungary);

114.176 Strengthen policies to guarantee the human rights to education

and health to children from minorities (Plurinational State of Bolivia);

114.177 Protect and respect the rights of national and religious minorities

by returning their properties and ensure legal certainty in this context

(Hungary);

114.178 Ensure full implementation of the law on public administration by

clarifying the legal uncertainty about the threshold requirement for displaying

street names and topographical signs in the minority languages (Hungary);

114.179 Guarantee the right to freedom of peaceful assembly of minorities

without discrimination (Hungary);

114.180 Revise the curricula and the history textbooks to make sure that

diversity of cultures and perspectives of minorities are reflected and that

stereotypes and prejudices are eliminated (Hungary);

114.181 Ensure that school enrolment plans and the numerical threshold

for the creation of classes are not used in a discriminatory way, while providing

access to technical and vocational education in the minority language

(Hungary);

114.182 Continue to promote the integration of the Roma community,

including by implementing the national strategy launched for the period 2015–

2020 (Italy);

114.183 Steadily implement its strategy for the inclusion of Romanian

citizens belonging to the Roma minority 2015–2020, and strengthen education-

related initiatives, such as the promotion of education for Roma children

(Japan);

114.184 Continue to effectively implement the government strategy for the

inclusion of Romanian citizens belonging to the Roma minority 2015–2020

(Maldives);

114.185 Increase the resources allocated to the implementation of the

national strategy for the inclusion of the Roma minority (Spain);

114.186 Make efforts to increase the access of the Roma to education, the

labour market and health-care services (Russian Federation);

114.187 Take appropriate measures to give full access to education, health

care, employment and social inclusion to Roma children (Albania);

114.188 Take further steps to guarantee Roma children equal access to

inclusive quality education, with the full participation of the Roma population

(Iceland);

114.189 Implement measures aimed at strengthening the social inclusion

of Roma people, including the participation of Roma children in the school

system (Sierra Leone);

114.190 Provide sufficient resources to implement the strategy for the

integration of the Roma (Belarus);

114.191 Step up efforts to involve children from the Roma community in

education (Belarus);

114.192 Continue policies aimed at the inclusion of Roma children in the

education and health-care systems (Georgia);

114.193 Take specific measures to assist the integration of the Roma

population into society, in particular in the areas of education, health,

employment and housing (Mexico);

114.194 Strengthen legislation to guarantee better attention to the needs of

the Roma in the areas of the right to housing and the right to education (Côte

d’Ivoire);

114.195 Step up efforts to improve the position of Roma people in line with

the European Union framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to

2020, for example in terms of ensuring access to education, appropriate housing

and economic inclusion (Netherlands);

114.196 Develop an effective system to follow up the implementation of the

National Strategy with clear measurable targets and assigned responsibility to

follow up progress; consider introducing obligatory information in schools

about the historic treatment of Roma; and develop programmes to counter

negative stigma in schools, as well as in different public institutions (Sweden);

114.197 Implement the existing legal framework on segregation, and in

particular expedite the concrete implementation of the national strategy for

Roma inclusion 2015–2020 (Switzerland);

114.198 Collect disaggregated ethnicity data with a view to supporting the

implementation of the strategy for Roma inclusion 2015–2020 (Brazil);

114.199 Continue implementing the recommendations of the universal and

regional human rights treaty bodies, in particular with regard to creating

favourable conditions to enable national minorities to express and develop their

culture, traditions and customs in their own language, and further encourage

knowledge of the history, traditions and culture of various minority groups

(Ukraine);

114.200 Adopt a national strategy to raise awareness among the Romanian

population about traditional harmful practices against women and

discriminatory gender stereotypes (Uruguay);

114.201 Promote the rights of migrant workers and their families among

national and global stakeholders with a view to considering ratification of the

International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant

Workers and Members of Their Families (Indonesia);

114.202 Strengthen the protection of the rights of migrants and refugees,

notably those relating to access to housing through specific measures (Senegal);

114.203 Adopt additional legislation in order to address practical barriers

preventing access to education for asylum-seeking and refugee children

(Afghanistan).

115. All conclusions and/or recommendations contained in the present report reflect

the position of the submitting State(s) and/or the State under review. They should not

be construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a whole.

Annex

Composition of the delegation

The delegation of Romania was headed by the Secretary of State, Ministry of

Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alexandru Victor Micula, and composed of the following members:

• Mr. Csaba Ferenc Asztalos, President, National Council for Combating

Discrimination;

• Mr. Daniel Rădulescu, President, National Agency for Roma;

• Mr. Lorin Ovidiu Hagimă, Director, Ministry of Justice;

• Mr. Ilie Cute, Expert Assimilated to Magistrates, Ministry of Justice;

• Mr. Răzvan Boștinaru, Expert Assimilated to Magistrates, Ministry of Justice;

• Mr. Doru Florin Coșman, Officer, National Prison Administration;

• Mr. Iulian Paraschiv, Head of Cabinet, National Agency for Roma;

• Ms. Claudia Virenfeldt, Counsellor, Ombudsman’s Office;

• Mr. Cătălin Andrei Popescu, Prosecutor, Prosecutor’s Office attached to the High

Court of Cassation and Justice;

• Ms. Corina Marinescu, Counsellor, National Authority for the Protection of the

Rights of the Child and Adoption;

• Mr. Dan Moldovan, Counsellor for European Affairs, National Agency for Equal

Opportunities for Women and Men;

• Mr. Cristian Răileanu, Counsellor, Ministry of Labour and Social Justice;

• Ms. Mihaela Bujor, Public Manager, Ministry of Labour and Social Justice;

• Ms. Alexandra Nemeș, Counsellor, Ministry of Labour and Social Justice;

• Mr. Mihai Tomescu, Counsellor of the Minister, National Authority for Persons with

Disabilities;

• Ms. Ioana Mihaela Dobre, Counsellor, National Authority for Persons with

Disabilities;

• Ms. Viorica Preda, Inspector General, Ministry of National Education;

• Ms. Petronela Stoian, Senior Adviser, Ministry of Health;

• Mr. Adrian Strugariu, Head of Office, Ministry of Internal Affairs;

• Ms. Raluca Erdinc, Inspector, Ministry of Internal Affairs;

• Mr. Adam Dinu, Counsellor, Ministry of Regional Development, Public

Administration and European Funds;

• Ms. Adriana Petraru, Counsellor, Department for Inter-Ethnic Relations;

• Ms. Aniela Bologa, First Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

• Mr. Adrian Vierita, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Romania to the

United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva;

• Ms. Codrina Vierita, Minister-Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Romania to the

United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva;

• Mr. Albert Robu, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Romania to the United

Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva;

• Ms. Laura Luca, Intern, Permanent Mission of Romania to the United Nations

Office and other international organizations in Geneva.