A/HRC/19/15 there were several places (in Vilnius, Panevėžys, and others) where Roma frequently experienced challenges, in particular addressing social issues. 48. Lithuania implemented two programmes on Roma, at State and municipal levels. The national Programme for the Integration of Roma into Lithuanian Society for 2008-2010 had three basic goals: (a) to ensure full integration of persons belonging to the Roma national minority into Lithuanian society and to reduce their social exclusion; (b) to promote public tolerance and trust in the Roma national minority, and (c) to improve their living conditions in those areas where Roma live in substantial numbers. The Ministry of Culture, in consultation with other institutions as well as representatives of the Roma national minority, was drafting the Action Plan for the Integration of Roma into Lithuanian Society for 2013–2015. 49. Denmark expressed concerns at Lithuania’s homophobic legislation and recent proposals in the Parliament undermining the rights of sexual minorities. It referred to Amnesty International’s recommendations in this regard. It raised the issue of prison conditions, in particular overcrowded cells and misbehaviour among prison personnel. It mentioned in particular the conditions in Lukiškės Prison, which were condemned by the European Court on Human Rights and the Lithuanian Ombudsman. Denmark made recommendations. 50. While welcoming the strengthening of the 2005 Law on Equal Opportunities, Germany echoed information related to the increase of racist violence and hate speech against non-European minorities and asked for more information on measures taken to address this issue and about remedies available to victims of intolerance. While noting efforts undertaken to address prison overcrowding, Germany asked how Lithuania intended to bring custody conditions to an acceptable level. While referring to reports on prolonged pretrial and administrative detention, Germany asked how Lithuania intended to remedy this practice. 51. Switzerland congratulated Lithuania for its open and constructive attitude in multilateral bodies. Switzerland noted that racism should be combated with determination. Switzerland expressed concerns at the Law on the Protection of Minors against the Detrimental Effect of Public Information and at new amendments, which are discriminatory against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Switzerland referred to national investigations about the existence of secret detention centres in association with the Central Intelligence Agency. Switzerland made recommendations. 52. Australia commended the Government for the adoption of a National Antidiscrimination Programme for 2009-2011. It welcomed Lithuania’s efforts to address poor conditions in prisons and detention centres but expressed concern at reports of physical mistreatment, overcrowding and unhygienic conditions as well as the length of pretrial detention. It also expressed concern at the low living standards and social exclusion of Roma as well as the poor funding of programmes aimed at integrating them. Australia made recommendations. 53. Estonia noted the significant progress made by Lithuania in protecting human rights since it recovered its independence and noted with appreciation that it ratified core human rights instruments and fully cooperated with special procedures. Estonia commended Lithuania’s significant achievements in ensuring the rights of persons belonging to national minorities and in encouraging their active participation in all areas of society. Estonia also commended Lithuania for its achievements in gender equality and its efforts to combat violence against women. Estonia commended Lithuania’s measures to promote the social integration of persons with disabilities. 54. Slovenia inquired about Lithuania’s intentions regarding the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or 9