A/HRC/8/49
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take additional measures to fight discrimination against minorities, including the Roma population,
homosexuals and persons living with HIV/AIDS. It also recommended that Romania take
additional measures to combat human trafficking, including the provision of training for police in
dealing with victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse, and the implementation of a system of
witness protection in cases of trafficking. Noting that the pace of resolving property restitution
cases stemming from the Communist era was slow it asked what legal reforms were planned to
accelerate this process and recommended that Romania accelerate the property restitution process.
22.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomed the consultative
process with all stakeholders to draft the national report. It commended Romania on its accession to
international human rights instruments and recommended that Romania take all necessary steps to
ensure that relevant legislation is in conformity with those international standards. Welcoming
Romania’s commitment to initiatives aimed at improving the human rights of the Roma minority, it
remains concerned that Roma still do not enjoy full equality of access to education and asked about
steps taken to address this issue. It expressed concern that the living conditions and treatment of
patients in psychiatric wards violate international human rights standards and recommended that
Romania urgently consider improvements to conditions for psychiatric patients. It welcomed the
progress made in supporting children with disabilities, but noted that much still remained to be
done. . The United Kingdom noted that the rates of abortion and maternal mortality have decreased
since the 1990s and recommended that Romania undertake further measures to improve sexual and
reproductive health, especially for marginalized groups.
23.
Angola welcomed the efforts of Romania to promote and foster human rights and the
consolidation of its legal and institutional framework since 1991. While noting progress made on
the protection of minorities, Angola asked what could be done further to realize the rights of the
Roma minority and ensure their socio-economic integration.
24.
France encouraged Romania to better integrate Roma with regard to housing, health and
education. On the rights of the child, it backed Algeria’s recommendations to guarantee better the
rights of the child, especially the rights to civil registry, education, health and protection against
violence. On the rights of women, it recommended to Romania to strengthen efforts made to
combat violence against women through information, prevention, and protection of victims and
punishment of the perpetrators. With regard to persons living with HIV/AIDS as Canada
mentioned, France highlighted the need to combat discrimination against HIV/AIDS patients. On
enforced disappearances, it noted Romania’s intention to sign the Convention and encouraged it to
sign and ratify it.
25.
Denmark welcomed the ongoing efforts to follow up on cases of abuse and excessive use of
force by the police and the measures taken to improve conditions in prisons. It however noted that
abuse of prisoners by authorities and other prisoners continues to be a problem. It recommended
that the Government continue and strengthens its efforts to avoid ill-treatment of prisoners, while
ensuring that all cases of abuse and excessive use of force by authorities be investigated and
appropriate measures taken. It noted the newly adopted law on religious freedom and recommended
that the Government take steps to reassess the measures needed to ensure that the principle of
freedom of religion or belief is implemented without discrimination. It also recommended that the
Romanian authorities be more proactive in identifying and putting a halt to incidents of religious
intolerance, which often goes unpunished.
26.
Republic of Korea noted efforts made since 1989 to improve the economic situation in the
country, expanding freedoms and rights and paying particular attention to the protection of the
human rights of children and families. It enquired about measures that have been taken by Romania
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