A/HRC/30/10 43. Ukraine commended Bulgaria for its efforts to implement recommendations from the first cycle of the universal periodic review and noted measures undertaken to promote the protection of minorities, the ratification of several international human rights instruments, and the adoption of a strategy for individuals granted international protection. It made recommendations. 44. The United Kingdom noted the commitment of Bulgaria to improve the situation of Roma and encouraged Bulgaria to take further action at the municipal level. It expressed the hope that the Government would foster understanding in society for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. It made recommendations. 45. The United States of America was concerned that corporate and political pressure was increasing media self-censorship and that corruption was undermining trust in the judiciary and other government institutions. It raised a number of concerns regarding the rights of minorities. It urged Bulgaria to promote and protect the human rights of migrants and asylum seekers. The United States made recommendations. 46. Uruguay noted the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and encouraged Bulgaria to ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Uruguay made recommendations. 47. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted that Bulgaria had become party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It highlighted efforts to improve the living conditions of Roma and noted the adoption of the National Roma Integration Strategy, and progress achieved in the protection of the rights of women. It made recommendations. 48. Albania commended the establishment of the National Coordination Mechanism on Human Rights and the Commission for Protection against Discrimination. It noted the human rights priority areas identified such as ethnic and religious tolerance, the integration of Roma and the protection of the rights of migrants and refugees. Albania made recommendations. 49. Algeria appreciated the establishment of the National Coordination Mechanism on Human Rights and encouraged Bulgaria to continue its efforts to eliminate discriminatory practices against women and to strengthen programmes to fight child labour and the phenomenon of street children. Algeria made recommendations. 50. Angola commended the ongoing legal and administrative measures to strengthen the efficiency of the judiciary. It underlined the development programme 2020 and the national strategy for poverty reduction and the promotion of social inclusion 2020. Angola made recommendations. 51. Argentina noted with appreciation the practice of establishing working groups on the follow-up to recommendations. It noted concerns by treaty bodies regarding cases of discrimination and xenophobia against asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and ethnic and religious minorities. It made recommendations. 52. Armenia welcomed steps taken to promote the rights of national minorities and commended the State policy to ensure a favourable environment for minorities to preserve their cultural heritage and identity. It noted with appreciation measures to combat racism, hate speech, hate crimes and human trafficking. Armenia made recommendations. 53. Australia stated that the expansion of the Commission of Protection against Discrimination and the Ombudsman would strengthen the human rights framework. It 8

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