A/HRC/43/15 Austria to ensure cooperation between the two countries in culture, education and science to meet the needs of German-speaking communities in Slovenia. 72. The delegation stated that Slovenia strived for inclusive education without segregation, including in preschool institutions. The education system included special assistance for Roma children to achieve better learning results. 73. Egypt welcomed the amendments to the Human Rights Ombudsman Act, efforts to reduce poverty and social exclusion, and the adoption of the Youth Guarantees Scheme to promote employment among youth. It noted challenges in ensuring freedom of expression. 74. Ethiopia noted with appreciation measures taken regarding the rights of older persons, third-country nationals, and persons with disabilities. It highlighted the importance of an amendment to the Equal Opportunities for Women and Men Act to introduce minimum 40 per cent representation of both genders in government bodies. 75. Fiji noted the commitment of Slovenia to human rights education and to the right to safe environment. It noted the establishment of an interministerial working group to draft a strategy on migration. 76. France welcomed progress in protecting the rights of women and fighting discrimination. 77. Georgia welcomed the ratifications of the Istanbul Convention and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure. It commended Slovenia for strengthening the mandate of the Human Rights Ombudsman. 78. Germany appreciated efforts by Slovenia to implement recommendations from the universal periodic review of 2014. 79. Ghana commended measures to reduce poverty and social exclusion, and to implement the Youth Guarantee Scheme. 80. Greece commended Slovenia for its work to improve access to health care, including through the adoption of the resolution on the National Mental Health Programme 2018– 2028. 81. Iceland welcomed efforts taken by Slovenia to advance gender equality and the right to a healthy environment. 82. India commended Slovenia for progress made since the universal periodic review of 2014 and for broadening the mandate of the Human Rights Ombudsman in line with the Paris Principles. 83. Indonesia appreciated the progress made by Slovenia in the area of the rights of older persons, and commended its efforts to improve its national human rights framework, including setting out a legal basis to strengthen the mandate of the Human Rights Ombudsman. 84. The Islamic Republic of Iran expressed concern at reports of the use of racist, xenophobic and Islamophobic rhetoric by several political figures and continuing allegations of racial hatred and violence. 85. Iraq welcomed the Government’s efforts to guarantee the exercise of civil and political rights, including by strengthening the independence of the judiciary and improving the administration of justice. 86. Ireland welcomed the introduction of legislation in 2017 broadening the powers of the Human Rights Ombudsman. Ireland encouraged Slovenia to implement fully the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights launched in 2018. 87. Italy welcomed the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, and efforts to combat human trafficking and to address child and forced marriage in the Roma community. 88. Jordan noted the preparation by Slovenia of its national report through a participatory process. It noted with appreciation the implementation of a national plan to combat violence against women and the measures to combat human trafficking. 8