A/HRC/8/49 Page 14 represented within the National Council on Combating Discrimination. One of the members of the Steering Board is of Roma origin and has the rank of Secretary/Ministry of State. 56. Regarding the use of force by police forces and the problem of Roma being victims of police abuse during arrests, it informed that the protection of human rights within the Ministry of Interior follow six pillars which focus, inter alia, on adopting the legislative framework to ensure the observance of human rights; basic and continuing training; rigorous selection of personnel; periodic checks and inspections; monitoring and control mechanisms to prevent abuse such as the Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian law. In this regard, NGOs have the right to visit police detention centres and to talk to persons in detention. It was also highlighted the observance of the separation of persons in police arrest to ensure their security and physical integrity. Concerning a question on gay fest parades, it informed that all citizens that violated public order during the parade where fined or criminally investigated. 15 persons were fined and 5 persons were criminally investigated. With regard to the issue of corporal punishment, it indicated that the law states very clearly that all forms of corporal punishment of children are forbidden. Regarding children of parents living abroad, Romania is focusing on prevention measures and also is offering best services in order to maintain them in their familiar environment. With regard to the issue of child abandonment, it indicated that the National Authority for the Protection of the Rights of the Child has concern in this regard and is working together with the Ministry of Public Health to establish obligations for all responsible institutions to be involved, including with the view to provide a legal identity for the children. 57. H.E. Mrs. Răduţa Matache, Secretary of State, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Romania thanked for the fruitful interactive dialogue and indicated that all comments and recommendations will be given greatest attention. II. CONCLUSIONS AND/OR RECOMMENDATIONS 58. In the course of the discussion, the following recommendations were made to Romania: 1. To ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Algeria, Mexico); the Convention for the Protection of All Persons against Enforced Disappearance (France, Argentina, Mexico) the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Mexico); and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading or Punishment (Mexico) in the near future and designating of an effective national preventive mechanism (Czech Republic); 2. To take all necessary steps to ensure that relevant Romanian legislation is in conformity with its international undertakings (United Kingdom); 3. To launch an awareness raising programmes on protection of enjoyment of human rights by persons of minority sexual orientation and gender identity for law enforcement personnel as part of a wider comprehensive campaign to prevent and punish any acts of ill-treatment in detention against persons perceived as belonging to these groups (Czech Republic); 4. To continue its efforts in combating discrimination (Argentina) and to take additional measures to fight discrimination against minorities, including the Roma population, as well as homosexuals (Canada) and persons living with