A/HRC/14/37 through education and awareness-raising campaigns. They also urged the Government to consider applying the Yogyakarta Principles on the Application of International Human Rights Law in relation to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity as a guide in policy development. 4. Concluding remarks of the State under review 359. Before concluding, Slovenia responded to the additional questions raised. On illtreatment by law enforcement officials, Slovenia had accepted the recommendation made by Iran (Islamic Republic of), and recalled that the issue was dealt with seriously, although it was of the view that it was not a serious and widespread problem. It viewed this recommendation as a general and permanent one in the field of human rights protection, and observed that such cases occurred very rarely in Slovenia. 360. Regarding the Roma, Slovenia acknowledged the importance of the 1995 programme of measures for assisting the Roma and the positive actions for the better integration of the community into society. Slovenia recalled the recent adoption of a national programme of action containing numerous measures to address this issue. 361. On trafficking, Slovenia clarified that anti-trafficking policies were part of the plan of action of the Interdepartmental Working Group against Trafficking in Human Beings, which focused on a wide range of communication activities aimed at raising awareness. Bearing in mind that women and children were the most vulnerable groups, the plan aimed to identify victims of trafficking and enhance prevention activities targeting these groups. Slovenia noted that women and children were the most vulnerable groups and therefore deserved special attention. It added that the plan also defined assistance and protection programmes for trafficked victims. One of the priorities set out in the plan was to involve non-governmental organizations to provide accommodation in safe houses and, in critical periods, to provide care and psychological assistance. 362. Regarding women’s rights, Slovenia affirmed that the situation was being constantly monitored with a view to the elimination of discrimination. Slovenia had adopted a national programme for equal opportunities for women and men. The Government also implemented various activities in this regard, and all acts of violence were criminalized. Moreover, Slovenia had been actively taking a number of measures to reduce violence against women. 363. On the question of the so-called “erased”, Slovenia recalled what was stated in the addendum to the Working Group report, that it accepted these recommendations in the light of the decision of the Constitutional Court in 2003 to the act amending the act regulating the legal status of citizens of the former Yugoslavia living in Slovenia, developed by the Government of Slovenia and presented to the National Assembly for adoption under a simplified procedure. It gave details regarding the act, adding that compensation claims by persons whose permanent residence has been terminated were dealt with by the relevant Slovenian courts under the general principles of compensation legislation, and that the Government was not drafting any special measures on this matter. Regarding a possible referendum, Slovenia could not provide details at this time, and it was uncertain whether it would take place. 364. In conclusion, Slovenia recalled that it was about to conclude its mandate within the Council, and that it has been a staunch supporter of the universal periodic review since the beginning. The mechanism had become indispensible in addressing the human rights situation in States Members of the United Nations, although the quality of recommendations and their implementation needed to be improved. Slovenia stated that it would continue to work hard to strengthen international norms, standards and mechanisms for their implementation, including the universal periodic review. GE.12-17781 103

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