A/HRC/10/74 Page 9 that the Government take all necessary measures to ensure the social and economic rights of those persons, including by adopting specific anti-discrimination policies. 33. Italy welcomed the progress made in strengthening the legislative framework for minority protection but noted that implementation was lagging, in particular with regard to the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian populations. It recommended that Montenegro take all necessary measures to guarantee full access to education to children from those communities and support their social inclusion. Italy welcomed the law on gender equality passed in 2007; however, it noted that discrimination still exists and that domestic violence against women was recently described by the European Commission as widespread. Italy recommended that Montenegro take effective measures to strengthen its domestic legislation concerning domestic violence against women. Montenegro’s legislation on freedom of religion was not fully in line with standards enshrined in article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights and the relevant case law of the European Court of Human Rights. In this respect, Italy recommended that Montenegro take all adequate measures to guarantee the protection and promotion of religious freedom, including by adopting legislation with regard to the recognition of churches and the property rights of religious communities. 34. Sweden welcomed, inter alia, the cooperation of Montenegro with European and international organizations. It expressed concern at the lack of independence and inefficiency of the judicial system and the reported political influence over courts and the police. It asked about specific action or programmes to combat corruption. Sweden recommended that the Government intensify its efforts to combat corruption in order to ensure the independence, effectiveness and quality of the judicial system. Sweden was also concerned by the reports of threats and brutality towards journalists, human rights defenders and members of the opposition. Sweden recommended that the Government take measures as a matter of priority to ensure that freedom of expression and freedom of press are guaranteed in accordance with international human rights standards. 35. Ukraine welcomed the State’s cooperation with international human rights mechanisms and noted with satisfaction that Montenegro is a party to most international conventions. Ukraine recommended that Montenegro submit its report to the relevant treaty bodies in due time. 36. Turkey fully supported the steps taken in the area of legislative and policy reforms and welcomed the adoption of the minorities policy strategy, in line with the law on minority rights and freedoms, and requested further information on the provisions of the legislation regarding the rights of minorities to education. Turkey noted that the national report referred to certain proposals from the Ombudsman and submitted to Parliament with a view to addressing the “poor performance of some government bodies and inadequate application of regulations”. It requested further information on the extent to which these proposals enjoy political and parliamentary support. Turkey encouraged Montenegro to maintain its efforts to continue reaching a higher level of human rights standards with regard to the issues of freedom of the media, functioning of the judiciary and the situation of refugees. 37. Canada stated that it has been a strong supporter of human rights in Montenegro and pledges similar support in the future. Canada welcomed the State’s efforts in strengthening its judiciary, ameliorating the situation of refugees and improving freedom of the press. It stressed the need to protect the most vulnerable minorities and to uphold their rights and freedoms. Canada recommended that the Government adopt a strategy to ameliorate the living conditions of the Roma population, in particular amending legislation to ensure access to basic social