A/HRC/19/15 23. Canada commended Lithuania for its leadership in promoting human rights. Canada noted Lithuania��s willingness to give refuge to international human rights defenders and activists. It was pleased that Lithuania passed its first comprehensive law on domestic violence. Noting that Lithuania’s legal system was equipped to deal with anti-Semitic individual acts, Canada was concerned at the persistence of this form of intolerance. Canada encouraged Lithuania to promote and enforce human rights safeguards. Canada made recommendations. 24. China commended Lithuania for its success promoting gender equality, combating human rights trafficking and protecting the right of the child. China noted the progress and efforts made by Lithuania in promoting national minorities’ rights and in encouraging national integration. Noting that Lithuania had approved the anti-discrimination programme 2009-2011 aiming to reduce intolerance in society, China asked for more information in this regard. China made a recommendation. 25. Norway appreciated Lithuania’s efforts to enhance the protection of human rights. However, Norway was concerned at the negative attitudes in the population towards minorities, in particular sexual minorities. Norway was pleased that Lithuania expanded the mandate of the Ombudsperson beyond gender equality, but it was concerned at the leverage of human rights institutions. Recognizing Lithuania’s efforts to combat domestic violence, Norway noted that it is a problem of significance. Norway made recommendations. 26. The Republic of Moldova welcomed Lithuania’s commitment to reinforce human rights education. Moldova applauded Lithuania for optimizing the activities of its mechanisms for the protection of human rights, including the establishment of a coordinating human rights council as part of the Ombudsman institution to perform systematic monitoring of human rights and implementation of relevant recommendations. It acknowledged Lithuania’s efforts to promote gender equality and to combat domestic violence. The Republic of Moldova made recommendations. 27. Sweden welcomed the opportunity to continue the dialogue with Lithuania. Considering some reports of crimes committed towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons, Sweden asked Lithuania what measures will take to strengthen their rights and how the law could be refined to avoid discrimination against LGBT persons. Sweden inquired for Lithuania’s plan to improve human rights situation in prisons as well as Lithuania’s plan to present a new and solid programme for the integration of Roma community. Sweden made recommendations. 28. Ireland commended Lithuania for the adoption of the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence and asked if the law provided also for awareness training in the area of victim abuse for use by public servants such as the police, prosecutors and judges. Ireland welcomed the establishment of a working group aiming to create a human rights council. Ireland inquired about the current situation in Lithuania of children in institution-based care. Ireland made recommendations. 29. Algeria commended Lithuania for the broad consultations held for the elaboration of the national report and for the ratification of the majority of the core international human rights instruments. Algeria took positive note of efforts undertaken to enhance the institutional framework for the protection of human rights. Algeria noted the gender inequality in the labour market and in the participation in public life; the inadequate living conditions in prisons; and human trafficking among the challenges faced by Lithuania. Algeria made recommendations. 30. Belarus noted Lithuania’s commitment in the area of human rights. Noting concerns signalled by treaty bodies, Belarus asked Lithuania for measures to combat the trade in children, child prostitution and pornography. Belarus, recalling on recommendations made by special procedures and treaty bodies, asked about measures taken by Lithuania to 6