A/HRC/26/10
90.
Slovakia commended measures for judicial reform, but called for stronger action to
ensure judicial independence. It asked what additional measures were envisaged to expedite
legal proceedings and reduce the number of pending cases. It noted that the prison system
remained underfunded and understaffed. Prison overcrowding, conditions for juveniles and
the complaints system remained a concern. It made recommendations.
91.
Slovenia welcomed the adoption of legislation prohibiting direct and indirect
discrimination, but noted that discrimination on grounds of ethnicity and sexual orientation
persisted. It noted concerns over reported hostilities motivated by sexual orientation. It was
concerned at discrepancies in education levels between boys and girls and at reports of
undocumented children. It made recommendations.
92.
Spain commended efforts to improve the enjoyment of the right to freedom of
expression, but recognized that shortcomings in that area remained. It noted that measures
had been adopted to improve the situation of the Roma people, but that they rarely
participated in decision-making on issues likely to affect them. It made recommendations.
93.
Sweden commended efforts to undertake judicial reforms in line with international
standards, but noted an increase in claims of selective justice. It noted reports of poor media
freedom, a lack of consultation of civil society on new draft media laws, funding for public
advertising for political purposes and self-censorship. It made recommendations.
94.
Switzerland remained concerned about persistent discrimination against minority
and other groups. The situation of women from minority ethnic groups, especially Roma,
warranted special attention. It was concerned about freedom of expression, the extension of
executive powers in legal matters, prison conditions and detainee mistreatment. It made
recommendations.
95.
Responding to questions about CPED, the delegation of the State under review
pointed out the complexity of the legislation involved, but said that the Government was
working on legislative amendments to allow ratification.
96.
LAPD contained a non-exhaustive list of grounds for discrimination and CPAD
acted upon applications concerning discrimination based upon sexual orientation. The
delegation provided statistics relating to those cases. The Commission was also initiating a
project with NGO partners to survey the situation of the LGBT population.
97.
In relation to the mission of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection
of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the delegation reported that the
Government was awaiting the report and would continue to cooperate with the Special
Rapporteur.
98.
The delegation reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to continuing the dialogue
with the media associations on the remaining issues of concern to them. That dialogue had
recently resulted in the adoption of several amendments to the new media laws, including a
provision that provided for the Association of Journalists and other members of civil
society to have the majority of the seats in the new Council for Audio and Audiovisual
Services.
99.
The delegation pointed out that the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare was
implementing public housing projects under which 10 per cent of the housing would be
allocated to members of the Roma community and that, under another project, 100
apartments had been built for Roma asylum seekers from the region. Roma were also
assisted by programmes such as one for active employment and also through measures
under the Ohrid Framework Agreement, which had resulted in the employment of 150
Roma officials in government ministries. Street children were assisted at day centres staffed
by social workers.
14
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