A/HRC/10/78
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trafficking and sexual exploitation of children, and ensure full compliance of domestic
legislation and relevant procedures with juvenile justice standards of the Convention on the
Rights of the Child. Serbia was also asked to elaborate on the steps taken to limit the scope of
corruption. Poland recommended that Serbia strengthen its anti-corruption policy.
25.
Germany commended Serbia for the progress achieved in recent years in the promotion
and protection of human rights and encouraged it to continue its efforts. Germany asked for
further information on the improvement of the schooling situation of Roma children and on
additional efforts that the Government envisaged to take in this regard. Germany asked what
measures Serbia had taken to guarantee that minority groups were not discriminated in the
recognition of university degrees or secondary school diplomas. It recommended that the
Government follow up the recommendation of the Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral on the situation of human rights defenders and denounce more forcefully the verbal and
physical attacks against human rights defenders.
26.
Romania commended the State’s efforts to improve the human rights situation and that of
vulnerable groups. Romania recommended that Serbia ensure the effective operation of the
ombudsman institution, especially with regard to the protection of the rights of persons
belonging to national minorities, and guarantee the protection of all citizens in a balanced,
efficient manner. Romania enquired about the effective functioning of the ombudsman
institution, especially at the local level, and about cases of restrictions to the performance of
religious services in minority languages in some parts of the country. It recommended that Serbia
take into account the opinions and recommendations of the European Commission for
Democracy through Law when implementing the law on religious organizations.
27.
Mexico acknowledged the cooperation between Serbia and OHCHR to develop a national
capacity to protect human rights further. It recommended that Serbia strengthen measures for the
development of practical mechanisms to combat impunity, including by strengthening the
judiciary. Mexico appreciated the State’s efforts to create a legal and institutional framework and
programmes aimed at integrating and addressing the needs of national minorities, in particular
the Roma. It recommended the adoption of a specific anti-discrimination law. Mexico also
appreciated the State’s manifest will to promote human rights through the ratification of various
instruments. In that respect, it urged Serbia to consider ratifying the Convention on the
Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the Convention
on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol thereto.
28.
Sweden expressed concerns about the rule of law in Serbia, recalling that the new
Constitution stated that national law overrides international law. It recommended that Serbia
intensify its efforts to combat corruption to ensure the independence, effectiveness and quality of
the judicial system. Sweden noted with interest that a memorandum of cooperation between
human rights defenders and State organizations would be concluded by late 2008. Sweden asked
for more information about the content of the memorandum and recommended that Serbia adopt
measures to secure the full enjoyment of the freedom of expression and to promote the work of
human rights defenders.
Spain wondered whether the Government intended to improve its legislation on gender
29.
equality. With regard to persons with disabilities, Spain noted certain problems concerning the
integration of such individuals and asked whether the Government envisaged improving its
legislation in that regard and signing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
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