A/HRC/30/10 65. Côte d’Ivoire noted with appreciation the national reforms undertaken by Bulgaria, including the adoption of international human rights instruments. It made recommendations. 66. Cyprus commended Bulgaria for the measures adopted since the last universal periodic review cycle, the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as the current initiatives to combat trafficking in human beings and eliminate discrimination. Cyprus made a recommendation. 67. The delegation of Bulgaria provided responses to a number of questions and statements made during the interactive dialogue. It reported on the projects that were funded from the State budget and implemented by NGOs to prevent domestic violence and to protect the victims. All activities had been regularly included in annual national programmes for prevention of and protection against domestic violence and necessary budgets had been allocated. Additionally, legal amendments had been drafted to improve the legal framework relating to domestic violence by taking into consideration the expertise of NGOs and the comments of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. 68. In response to questions on some cases of racism and intolerance, the delegation stated that allegations of manifestation of racism and intolerance had been examined by relevant authorities and, where necessary, steps had been taken to prosecute and punish such acts. The delegation highlighted that Bulgaria did not have a strong record of such acts or manifestations. However, the authorities would continue being vigilant. 69. The delegation reported on several measures taken to ensure the rights of Roma to health care and employment and their social inclusion. The health and labour mediators, selected from the Roma community, served as a bridge between the public sector and that community. The number of health mediators had increased. Preventive medical check-ups were carried out in the Roma settlements and Roma children were immunized. A system of monitoring the Roma integration strategies had been set up and included a unified platform for collection of data at municipal, regional and national levels. Efforts had been made to support the employment of Roma. 70. The delegation stated that the principle of equality and non-discrimination was enshrined in the Constitution and legislation. The authorities continued their consistent policies aimed at preventing and eliminating all forms of discrimination, including against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. The Protection against Discrimination Act prohibited any direct or indirect discrimination based on a number of grounds, including gender and sexual orientation. 71. The right of children with disabilities to equal access to education was guaranteed by law. The legal framework ensured full integration of children with disabilities in the general education system. 72. In a response to a statement on alleged cases of discrimination, the delegation stated that there was no discriminatory treatment in connection with the construction of places of worship of religious denominations. Places of worship were constructed according to standard procedures and were not subject to any special requirements. Attacks against religious minorities were rather occasional and the perpetrators faced charges for hooliganism on the grounds of hatred. 73. The legislation on refugees and migrants had been harmonized with European Union standards and was in line with the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the Optional Protocol thereto. Media campaigns had been carried out to create a favourable environment, supportive of the integration of refugees. The Government provided legal and 10