A/HRC/10/78 Page 14 end to such threats. Ireland recommended that the Government take adequate measures to ensure respect for freedom of expression and ensure that cases of alleged violence against journalists and human rights defenders are fully investigated. Ireland also recommended that every effort be made to strengthen the rule of law, as enshrined in its Constitution, and to ensure the independence of the judiciary. 47. Following one question put in advance relating to the functioning of the judiciary, the Czech Republic recommended the adoption of further measures to ensure its independence and efficiency and to secure access to concrete remedies for victims of human rights violations. Regarding the protection of independent journalists and human rights defenders, it recommended the adoption of specific measures to ensure protection of human rights defenders, including those dealing with sensitive issues such as corruption, organized crime or the human rights of sexual minorities. Lastly, it wished to know whether any registration procedure existed to identify children of detainees/prisoners and what could be done to protect the rights of these children. 48. The Philippines noted that the Constitution protected the rights of national minorities. In this regard, it was interested to know about the role of national minorities in local government, which seemed to be promoted in a positive manner. It also asked if there were plans to enhance affirmative action programmes for minorities or to widen the scope of their coverage to allow more individuals from minority groups to have access to quality education. It appreciated the measures taken to strengthen efforts to combat human trafficking and asked for information on the ratification of the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. 49. While appreciating the measures taken by Serbia to improve human rights in the country, Bangladesh noted that the success of all the measures would largely depend on their effective implementation. Bangladesh hoped that the anti-discrimination law would strengthen ongoing efforts to improve the situation of minorities. Regarding trafficking in persons, mainly women and children for sexual exploitation, Bangladesh acknowledged the action being taken in various countries and noticed that Serbia was a country of transit, origin and destination. It recommended that effective measures be taken to combat trafficking in women and children in cooperation with countries in the trafficking network. 50. Bosnia and Herzegovina asked Serbia to elaborate more on measures taken to improve the implementation of domestic legislation and treaties on human rights and to provide information, if any, on specific challenges or obstacles in the process of implementing domestic legislation and treaties. More information was requested on the function, activities and purpose of the Gender Equality Committee of the National Assembly and the Government Council for Gender Equality. It also wished to know about measures taken to implement the new Law on Family Relations, and about those taken to implement other laws and strategies to protect children and adolescents. It called on Serbia to elaborate on the steps taken to improve its cooperation with International Criminal Tribunal to ensure that all persons suspected of grave human rights violations were brought to trial. It welcomed the State’s commitment to the implementation of the Sarajevo Declaration to solve the problems of refugees in the region. 51. Slovenia commended Serbia for its standing invitation to special procedures and supported the State’s endeavour to become a member of the European Union, and would assist in that regard. Slovenia recommended that Serbia restore civilian control to decision-making in relation to applications for conscientious objection to military service, to extend the time limit for applications to be made, remove the exclusion of all those who have ever held a firearms