A/HRC/19/18 45. Latvia stated that promotion and protection of human rights and freedoms was a priority for the Republic of Moldova, as confirmed in the Government‟s policies and the framework programme of the National Human Rights Action Plan. It acknowledged that many challenges remained, but that measures for further improvements were already envisaged. Latvia welcomed the decision of the Republic of Moldova to extend a standing invitation to all special procedures. It noted the Government‟s commitment to combat human trafficking. Latvia made a recommendation. 46. Mexico acknowledged the Republic of Moldova‟s progress in ratifying and acceding to international and regional human rights instruments. Mexico congratulated the Republic of Moldova for its adoption of the National Action Plan on Human Rights and hoped that its implementation would contribute to the full enjoyment of human rights in the country. Mexico was pleased that the Republic of Moldova had extended a standing invitation to special procedures. Mexico made recommendations. 47. Slovakia stated that the Republic of Moldova has made remarkable progress in advancing its human rights record and took positive note of the appointment of four ombudspersons. It indicated that the second National Human Rights Action Plan for 20112014 as well as the national plans on migration and asylum, prevention and combating trafficking in human beings and domestic violence, and the national programme on gender equality were steps in the right direction. Slovakia made recommendations. 48. The United States of America commended the Republic of Moldova‟s participation in the “Democracy Partnership Challenge”, its cooperation with non-governmental organizations to combat human trafficking and its decision to register a Muslim religious group. It was concerned about the rule of law and the need to ensure justice for individuals abused by security forces and reported trafficking-related judicial corruption. It expressed concern about discrimination against and police harassment of LGBT persons. It made recommendations. 49. The Democratic Republic of Congo welcomed the establishment of the Ombudsman on the rights of the child as well as the inter-ministerial committee on gender equality. It also stated that the political integration of ethnic minorities was of importance for national cohesion. In this regard, the situation of Roma deserved further attention. It was concerned about human rights violations, particularly in the Transnistra region. It made a recommendation. 50. Azerbaijan stated that the national priorities and initiatives mentioned in the national report would pave the way to overcoming challenges in the promotion and protection of human rights. It noted with interest, the appointment of the ombudsman for children. Azerbaijan asked about the measures taken by the Government for the implementation of strategies for human rights education. It made recommendations. 51. Ukraine commended the National Human Rights Action Plan and the establishment of the Centre for Human Rights of the Republic of Moldova. Ukraine encouraged the Republic of Moldova to take further measures to realize women‟s equality in all areas, addressing the root causes of domestic violence, especially related to children. Ukraine hoped that technical assistance from the United Nations and non-governmental organizations would help the Republic of Moldova to achieve concrete results in the aforementioned areas. Ukraine made a recommendation. 52. Morocco commended the progress made by the Republic of Moldova in legislation and institution development and noted existing challenges for different Ombudsmen in fulfilling their mandate. Morocco expressed its appreciation that Moldova had recognized Islam as one of the official religions of the country. Morocco shared the view that secessionism constituted an obstacle for the promotion and protection of human rights, 9