A/HRC/42/7 19. Portugal had revised and extended until 2022 the National Roma Communities Integration Strategy, which included strengthening educational and professional integration, improving access to decent housing and raising awareness about combating discrimination. In several neighbourhoods, Roma communities had been relocated or their homes renovated. 20. A guide for the inclusion and school success of Roma children, involving the entire educational community, had been introduced in 2019. Another programme for the promotion of education, aimed at young Roma people attending higher education, provided them with scholarships, tutorials and follow-up. In the 2017/18 academic year, the programme had reached a success rate of 64 per cent, with girls achieving a rate of 75 per cent. Strengthening basic skills and qualifying Roma adults for further integration into the labour market was one of the objectives of the National Roma Communities Integration Strategy. 21. The new National Strategy for Equality and Non-Discrimination focused on eliminating all forms of discrimination, particularly efforts to promote equal opportunities, access to the labour market and legislation on equal pay for equal work for men and women. 22. In 2019, the so-called parity law had been amended to increase the minimum parity threshold in the lists of candidates for the national parliament, the European Parliament and local authorities from 33 per cent to 40 per cent of female candidates. Non-compliant lists would be rejected. Legislation had also been adopted establishing minimum thresholds for the fair representation of women in decision-making positions in the upper management positions of the direct and indirect administration of the State and of local administrations. 23. However, inequality persisted in unpaid work, especially among caregivers. The Government had therefore decided to move forward with a bill providing for measures to support informal caregivers, the vast majority of whom were women. 24. Steps were also being taken to promote shared parental responsibilities and work-life balance. One such measure included the possibility of both parents taking parental leave simultaneously, and the increase of compulsory paternity leave to 20 days, paid at 100 per cent. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 25. During the interactive dialogue, 94 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 26. Malaysia acknowledged progress made in the areas of public health, employment, trafficking in persons, gender equality and child poverty through human rights policies and legislation. 27. Maldives commended Portugal for its efforts to protect rights by reflecting the Sustainable Development Goals in national strategies, and welcomed the 2017 national voluntary review on its implementation of the 2030 Agenda. 28. Malta welcomed the adoption of the National Strategy for Equality and NonDiscrimination (2018–2030) and the progress made in addressing domestic violence. 29. Mauritius applauded the adoption of the National Strategy for Equality and NonDiscrimination, aligned with the 2030 Agenda, and the Strategic Plan for Migration (2015– 2020). 30 Mexico highlighted the progress made, including initiatives to review the Criminal Code regarding sexual offences and the new law on equal pay for men and women. 31. Montenegro commended efforts to improve the legal framework and practical assistance for migrants and beneficiaries of international protection, and to promote women’s rights. 4