A/HRC/WG.6/1/CZE/4 page 12 42. Bosnia and Herzegovina recalled the active engagement of the Czech Republic in the reform process from the Commission on Human Rights to the Human Rights Council and during the first phase of the Council’s work. It noted with satisfaction that all voluntary pledges and commitments made by the Czech Republic on presenting its candidature in 2006 had been fulfilled. It noted that the Government made additional efforts and took necessary measures as preconditions to eliminate discrimination against groups of minorities, in particular Roma. It also noted that the Government approved a pilot project to establish an agency for social inclusion of Roma communities, including funding and staffing arrangements. Bosnia and Herzegovina enquired about positive steps and efforts to assess the situation of Roma in the field of education. It also asked about additional efforts to provide protection to children living on the street and to ensure their access to education and health services, placing greater emphasis on alternatives to institutionalization. 43. In reply to questions put forward by various delegations, the Czech Republic elaborated on the independence of the judiciary and affirmed that there were some questions raised concerning the independence of the Chair of the Supreme Court. When the question was put to the Constitutional Court it ruled in favour of the Chair of the Supreme Court. Otherwise there are no concrete problems on this issue. Concerning control of prison personnel, the Czech Republic stated that there were internal control mechanisms in place able to redress human rights violations, including controls by the authorities and the Ombudsman. The Czech Republic recalled that it has submitted a report to the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT). Responding to questions on the need for special education and the future of segregated schools, the Czech Republic noted that education strategies were elaborated to create mainstreamed, inclusive curricula and to provide children with special needs the option to be placed in small groups. Current research shows increased success of Roma children. Despite current achievements, and in order to ensure a successful integration, implementation must respect the sensitivity of Czech culture changes in the educational system. On gender issues, the Czech Republic reiterated that equal access to education without discrimination is a fundamental part the legal system. However, it noted that challenges remain and hoped that it will shortly be able to provide data on the progress of Roma enrolment. Reporting concrete results related to gender budgeting at local and regional levels, the Czech Republic reported that it also has an advisory body on gender equality working to mainstream gender action plans and ministry focal points. The Agency for the Protection from Social Exclusion in Roma communities has begun work in the fields of education, including early care and preschools, employment, housing, and will increase investment in social services and soft integration programmes. Addressing the concerns on corruption in the judiciary, the Czech Republic replied that crimes were introduced to the judiciary under supervision of prosecutors and that preventive activities such as training on ethics was provided to prosecutors and judges. Regarding human trafficking, the Minister of the Interior recommended creating a national action plan to combat trafficking, cooperated with NGOs and created a hotline to provide counselling. In January 2008, a national strategy in compliance with the Palermo Protocol was approved, creating a support programme offering free assistance for victims and stipulating cooperation with destination and source countries. The Penal Code criminalizes possession of child pornography and child trafficking. Responding to concerns about labour discrimination, the Czech Republic replied that equal rights were provided to all, including legally employed migrant workers. It stated that female participation in labour has been marked by inequalities in regard to remuneration and that efforts are being made in that regard. In response to concerns about the respect for the rights of the child, the Czech Republic replied that the Office of the Ombudsman, by virtue of law, is tasked with providing methodological assistance to victims, making recommendations and carrying out investigations. The Code of Civil Procedure has been modified and approved by the Constitutional Court to shift the burden of proof in anti-discrimination cases to favour victims of discrimination.