A/HRC/19/18 37. Romania noted the Government‟s successful organization of elections in 2010 and 2011. Romania referred to the comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the protection of the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, including ensuring teaching of and in minorities‟ languages. However, knowledge of the State language was problematic among certain sectors of society. Romania encouraged the Republic of Moldova to enhance the capacity of the Centre for Human Rights. Romania made recommendations. 38. Argentina welcomed the amendments that were introduced in the legislation with regard to the combating of domestic violence. It also welcomed the Government‟s establishment of an ombudsman dedicated to the defence of the rights of children. Argentina made recommendations. 39. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland strongly supported the Republic of Moldova‟s efforts to create a viable mechanism for reinforcing the principles of non-discrimination, universality and equality of human rights. It welcomed the positive assessment of recent elections and acknowledged the ongoing liberalization of the media, while noting the challenges related to freedom of expression. It recognized the positive step being taken to eliminate torture. It made recommendations. 40. Hungary noted with satisfaction the Republic of Moldova‟s standing invitation to special procedures, its ratification of almost all core international human rights treaties and institutions with a human rights protection mandate. Hungary remained concerned about the representation of women in public life and employment and welcomed the enactment of the law on preventing and combating domestic violence. Hungary noted that conditions in many prisons and detention facilities were far from ideal. Hungary made recommendations. 41. Sweden noted that following a debate in Parliament, the anti-discrimination bill was withdrawn. The contentious issue related to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The adoption of the bill was crucial to the visa liberalization process, as well as to protect groups and individuals who were discriminated against. The level of domestic violence was high. No one was brought to justice for the events of April 2009 were individuals were subjected to torture and ill-treatment by the police. Sweden made recommendations. 42. Uruguay noted the Republic of Moldova‟s amendment to the Criminal Code establishing domestic violence as a criminal offence and that there was insufficient enforcement of these new provisions. Uruguay was concerned that the principle of nondiscrimination was not always fully respected for children from disadvantaged families, children with disabilities, children with HIV/AIDS and children from ethnic groups, especially Roma children who were victims of discrimination and had limited access to education, health and an adequate standard of living. Uruguay made recommendations. 43. Slovenia welcomed the efforts to protect children through the establishment of the Ombudsman for the rights of the child, but was concerned by reports of corporal punishment. It noted with appreciation the measures taken to ensure respect for the identity of persons from national minorities. Slovenia enquired about the steps taken to improve the implementation of the Action Plan for Roma for 2007-2010 and about the implementation of this plan for 2011 to 2015. Slovenia made recommendations. 44. Spain acknowledged the steps taken by the Republic of Moldova, notably through the national human rights programme 2004-2008 and the national plan of action 2005-2009, as well as the standing invitation extended to special procedures. Spain asked about the results from measures taken to combat human trafficking, in particular the assistance provided for minors and women victims of trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation. Spain made recommendations. 8

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