A/HRC/10/74 Page 13 50. The Russian Federation noted that the national report reflects the progress achieved by Montenegro, especially within a short time period. It noted that most of the human rights issues that are being addressed at present by the Government are faced by virtually all States. It requested information about the measures taken to ensure the independence of the judiciary. Noting that prison overcrowding is a widespread problem, including in developed societies, it asked how acute this problem was in Montenegro and about any national programme to address it. Regarding the efforts made by the Government to protect the rights of national minorities and the legislative measures taken, the Russian Federation requested further details on the obstacles encountered in this area and on the specific programmes and projects funded by the minorities fund. 51. Slovakia welcomed many positive developments and achievements in Montenegro, in particular that it is a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. It highlighted the adoption of the new Constitution in 2007, which stipulates that international treaties have supremacy over national legislation. It underlined the importance of the principle of the rule of law during the process of the building of its institutions and of laying down the principles for their proper functioning. While welcoming the establishment of a national commission to monitor the plan of action and strategy for the fight against corruption, Slovakia recommended that Montenegro take further comprehensive measures to address the issue of corruption, in particular in the police force. It recommended that Montenegro guarantee the full independence of the judiciary in accordance with Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary, laid down by the General Assembly in its resolution 40/146, and establish an independent monitoring mechanism of courts proceedings in order to enhance the independence of the judiciary. 52. Mexico congratulated Montenegro on the adoption of legislation intended to provide comprehensive and innovative protection for the exercise of individual and collective freedoms in the case of minority groups and requested further information about the measures identified to end discriminatory practices and segregation affecting minorities, and what safeguards had been introduced in the field of housing, employment and health. Mexico recommended that, when implementing public policies, consideration should be given to the characteristics, needs and aspirations of the beneficiaries in order to ensure the exercise of their rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights. Mexico requested further information about, inter alia, the measures taken to eliminate censorship and provide effective protection to journalists. Mexico recommended that Montenegro review its legislation and public policies to safeguard the exercise of freedom of expression and decriminalize the offences of defamation, libel and slander, and adopt measures to protect journalists, including effective investigations into attacks of members of the profession. Mexico appreciated the efforts made to guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities and recommended that serious consideration be given to the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 53. Azerbaijan noted with appreciation the Plan of Activities for Achieving Gender Equality in Montenegro for the period 2008-2012, the “Book of Change”, the Strategy of Civic Education and Civic Upbringing in primary and secondary schools for the period 2007-2010, the planned construction of the centre for asylum-seekers and other achievements. Noting the difficulties faced in human rights protection, Azerbaijan asked what practical measures were being implemented by the Government for the efficient prevention of human trafficking. It also asked for further information on the legal guarantees being provided for a full integration of national minorities into Montenegrin society.