A/HRC/12/15 Page 13 63. Regarding protection against torture, the Czech Republic welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. It referred to the need to implement more effectively implementation human rights standards at the national level. It also appreciated the measures taken to combat discrimination. It recommended to the Government to provide the police, prison and judicial personnel with practically-oriented human rights training and education. 64. The United States of America asked what the Government is doing to address the roots of ethnic violence and foster tolerance and respect for ethnic diversity. 65. Kazakhstan noted the constructive cooperation with international human rights institutions and the establishment of the Inter-Religious Council, which plays a positive and important role towards strengthening religious and ethnic dialogue. It noted a number of national strategies and action plans addressing human rights challenges in the areas of civil society, minority, children, women rights and trafficking of persons. 66. Albania welcomed the reforms and measures taken by the Government following the adoption of the Ohrid Framework Agreement of 2001, which have been endorsed through constitutional amendments that permit not only for respect and promotion of the rights of persons belonging to minorities but also better communication between the communities. It cited the establishment of the Parliamentary Commission on Inter-Community Relations and the InterReligious Council as structures that make a real contribution to the dialogue between different religions and communities. 67. Croatia commended the establishment of numerous national institutions for the protection and promotion of human rights and encouraged the setting up of commissions on equal opportunities for women and men in the local self-government units. Croatia acknowledged the Government’s long term commitment to minority protection, and emphasized activities towards the advancement in the status of the Roma within the framework of the Decade for Roma inclusion. Regarding cooperation with special procedures it wished to see more responses from the Government to questionnaires on thematic issues. Croatia expressed the opinion that the country had built an important human rights infrastructure and encouraged the Government to continue to enhance the overall protection and promotion of human rights. It recommended to the Government to encourage the appropriate institutions to take further action in dealing with violence against women and to enact a specific law criminalizing domestic violence. 68. Montenegro commended the cooperation of the Government with international human rights procedures and mechanisms, including through extending a standing invitation to United Nations special procedures. With reference to the national report, Montenegro noted, inter alia, that a serious reform of the justice system was undertaken. It further noted that priorities had been defined for the national and international promotion and advancement of human rights which embraced important activities and asked the delegation to elaborate further on their implementation. 69. Italy referred to the overall state of the prison system. It welcomed the entry into force of the law on the legal status of churches, religious communities and religious groups. However, it noted that there were still reports of restrictions and discrimination against certain religious communities that affect their ability to practice their faith.