A/HRC/16/9
20.
France noted the adoption in 2010 of the two-year plan on equal opportunities for
people with disabilities and of the Integration of People with Disabilities Act, but inquired
what obstacles had prevented Bulgaria from ratifying the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities. France inquired about the results of programmes aimed at
increasing the standard of living and integrating the Roma people. France invited Bulgaria
to amend its constitutional and legislative apparatus in order to better combat all forms of
discrimination. France made a recommendation.
21.
Indonesia commended Bulgaria for having incorporated the principles of
international human rights treaties into its national legislation and welcomed its
commitment to strengthening the democratic process and the rule of law. Indonesia,
however, expressed concern about the child protection system, particularly in terms of
access to health care, welfare and social assistance. As for human trafficking, Indonesia was
encouraged to learn of Bulgaria’s efforts to tackle the issue. Indonesia made
recommendations.
22.
Finland noted that children of the Roma minority lagged seriously behind in terms
of education. Finland asked how Bulgaria would guarantee that Roma children, by age 16,
would attain learning results comparable to those of the rest of the population, and thus
improve the integration of Roma into Bulgarian society. Finland made recommendations,
including with regard to equal access to public services and an adequate standard of living.
23.
Belarus noted with satisfaction the efforts taken by Bulgaria to improve its national
legislation and strengthen its institutional framework. Belarus welcomed the adoption of
several long-term national strategies, including for children. Belarus commended the
Government’s policy in the area of primary education and the development of the healthcare system. Belarus noted the measures taken by the Government to address more
systematically and comprehensively the problems encountered in protecting the rights of
and ensuring the integration of the Roma, including through the new 10-year framework
programme. Belarus referred to the Government’s purposeful efforts to combat trafficking.
Belarus made recommendations.
24.
Greece noted that, since the democratic change in 1989, Bulgaria had had a very
good record in the Balkan region in the promotion and protection of human rights. Greece
asked Bulgaria to share its best practices in developing a human rights institutional
framework since the transition to democracy, and to share its experiences, including with
respect to problems encountered in combating human trafficking. Greece expressed
satisfaction that women’s rights were a priority for Bulgaria. Greece made
recommendations.
25.
Belgium congratulated Bulgaria on the continuing progress made in human rights
protection, but raised concerns relating to shelters for orphans and/or people with mental
disabilities. Belgium also expressed concern at the fact that trafficking in women for sexual
exploitation had persisted despite the existence of concrete measures to combat it. Belgium
made recommendations.
26.
Mexico noted Bulgaria’s achievements in the areas of human rights protection and
the consolidation of democracy. Mexico inquired about the implementation of
recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination regarding
the integration of Roma children into mixed schools, and whether there were mechanisms
for coordination with civil society in that regard. Mexico asked for further information
about measures to prevent discrimination against people with mental disabilities. Mexico
made recommendations.
27.
Malaysia recognized that Bulgaria had in place a comprehensive legal framework
that incorporated regional and international norms and standards related to the promotion
and protection of human rights. Malaysia also recognized that Bulgaria faced several
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