A/HRC/34/9 76. Norway noted the implementation of legislation on domestic violence and stated that follow-up was needed to secure the necessary resources and capacity. It encouraged awareness-raising concerning domestic violence, including violence against children, and the speedy implementation of the process of deinstitutionalization. 77. Pakistan welcomed the establishment of a national mechanism to protect and promote human rights. It noted the development of various national plans to implement the rights to health and education of women, children and persons with disabilities. It appreciated the efforts to ensure protection from domestic violence and to integrate the Roma minority. 78. Mexico acknowledged progress made regarding gender equality and the elimination of violence against women. While welcoming measures taken to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, Mexico believed that Lithuania could improve its legislative framework on domestic violence, and make further progress on combating discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. 79. The Philippines welcomed the efforts of Lithuania to address domestic and genderbased violence. It expressed concern about the pay gap for work of equal value and asked how Lithuania had been addressing it. The Philippines enquired about reasons for the failure to establish a national human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles. 80. Poland acknowledged the efforts taken to implement the recommendations from the first review. It raised some issues with regard to the situation of persons belonging to national minorities in Lithuania. 81. Portugal welcomed the fact that the Seimas Ombudsmen’s Office had applied for accreditation as a national human rights institution under the Paris Principles. It commended Lithuania for its national programme on preventing domestic violence, and its efforts to combat xenophobia, racism, hate speech and discrimination in the media and in public. 82. Romania commended Lithuania for various programmes it had adopted to promote and protect human rights and for strengthening cooperation between central and local governments in implementing human rights standards. It encouraged Lithuania to continue strengthening its efforts in the area of human rights. 83. The Russian Federation was concerned at the increase in manifestations of nationalism and neo-Nazism, racism and xenophobia, the absence of a law on national minorities and attempts by the Government to censor the media. The Government’s policy to making heroes out of those Lithuanians who supported German Nazis was disturbing. 84. Saudi Arabia welcomed the progress made by Lithuania in the area of human rights since its first review. It expressed concern at the increase in the number of hate crimes and discrimination against asylum seekers and Muslims. 85. Serbia commended Lithuania for its efforts to address the challenges it faced regarding the administration of justice, prevention of torture and improving prison conditions. It encouraged Lithuania to strengthen its independent oversight institutions. Serbia welcomed the efforts to combat human trafficking and commended Lithuania for its intention to adopt a law on minorities. 86. Slovenia commended Lithuania for its ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Protocols No. 15 and 16 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (European Convention on Human Rights), the establishment of the Department of National Minorities and the introduction of training programmes for police on combating hate crimes and of legal education in schools. Slovenia noted persistent challenges in the area of equality and non-discrimination. 12