A/HRC/12/50 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 607. Hungary commended the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for its full engagement with the universal periodic review and hoped that the implementation of the recommendations would contribute to the promotion of human rights in the country. It welcomed the clarification provided to its question concerning the credibility and effectiveness of the judiciary. Hungary fully supported the efforts already made to improve the efficiency of human rights institutions and encouraged the Government to strengthen further the rights of the Ombudsman in relation to non-discrimination issues. Hungary was convinced that the full implementation of the Ohrid framework agreement would contribute to the strengthening of the rights of minorities. It asked that more attention be paid to reassessing the legal status of the “Kosovo refugees”, and encouraged the Government to follow up on this issue. 608. Algeria noted the quality of the information presented, which demonstrated the serious approach of the authorities of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the universal periodic review process. However, the process should involve not only the administration, but also the politicians in the country; therefore, ministerial involvement was encouraged. Algeria welcomed the acceptance by the State of its recommendation to make sure that the office of the Ombudsman was in line with the Paris Principles. Measures and concretes actions taken to tackle the question of dropout rates from school, in particular for Roma children, were underlined. Algeria also welcomed the favourable follow-up on its recommendation to ensure that certain minorities had access to adequate housing, education, employment and health care, and that particular attention was to be paid to the promotion of their integration in all sectors of social life. 609. The Russian Federation highlighted the serious attitude and constructive approach of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia at all stages of the universal periodic review process. It thanked the delegation for its answers to the questions it had raised. The information provided demonstrated the commitment of the Government to, inter alia, accede to international human rights treaties and improve national human rights standards to bring them into line with international human rights requirements and standards. It understood that the creation of appropriate and effective implementation mechanisms was at the top of the Government’s agenda and wished the country further success in promoting and protecting human rights. 610. Bosnia and Herzegovina noted that the Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was striving to fulfil its human rights obligations, and improvements had been made. Developments of plans of action, projects and strategies confirmed the commitment of the Government to face the human rights challenges in different areas. The steps taken for the adoption and ratification of international human rights instruments also showed the serious improvements of human rights in the country. 611. Bulgaria noted that some improvements had been observed in the legislative and institutional framework of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for the protection of human rights. It remained concerned about cases of ethnic intolerance and discrimination and appealed to the country’s authorities to take all appropriate measures to prevent discrimination based on ethnic affiliation and to foster tolerance and respect for ethnic diversity. Bulgaria also called on the authorities to make systematic efforts to guarantee the independence of the media while addressing the widespread practice of hate speech, and to take measures promptly to implement recommendation 13 of the report of the Working Group. 612. Slovenia thanked the Government for having addressed and replied to the questions it had raised, particularly with regard to the independence of the judiciary, the anti- 155