A/HRC/32/7
dialogue, promote cooperation and provide an opportunity to hold discussions related to
questions on the integration of the Roma.
94.
Unemployment rates among Estonians and non-Estonians had decreased in recent
years. Discrepancies in unemployment rates between Estonian and ethnic minorities had
also decreased in 2015. The Government paid special attention to the development of
Ida-Virumaa, where the Russian-speaking minority comprised the majority of the
population. The Estonian regional development strategy and the Ida-Viru county action
plan for the period 2015-2020 foresaw measures to improve living conditions, strengthen
civil society and promote economic and employment opportunities.
95.
The United States of America urged Estonia to take further steps to counter
prejudice and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex
persons, migrants, asylum seekers, refugees and members of ethnic and religious
minorities. It commended Estonia for its continued efforts to promote a tolerant and
integrated society. The United States made recommendations.
96.
Uruguay emphasized the accession by Estonia to the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol, and the Optional Protocol to the
Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. It
took note of the efforts made by Estonia to establish a national human rights institution in
accordance with the Paris Principles. Uruguay made recommendations.
97.
Uzbekistan noted with satisfaction efforts taken to strengthen the legal and
institutional framework for the protection and promotion of human rights. It noted concerns
expressed about cases of discrimination against minorities, migrants and refugees, hate
speech and gender discrimination. Uzbekistan made recommendations.
98.
Afghanistan acknowledged the reform of the Penal Code and all measures taken to
combat all forms of violence. It noted with appreciation the general education programme
for the period 2016–2019 that included human rights education. Afghanistan made a
recommendation.
99.
Albania commended the Government for the welfare development plan for the
period 2016-2023 and for adopting a new development plan to prevent violence. It
encouraged Estonia to make further improvements in human rights. Albania made
recommendations.
100. Algeria welcomed the positive steps taken by Estonia to improve the human rights
situation since its first review. It noted with satisfaction the ratification of the Convention
on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as had been recommended by Algeria and many
other delegations in the previous review. Algeria made recommendations.
101. Argentina noted with satisfaction the efforts taken by the Government concerning
education and congratulated Estonia for incorporating human rights in primary education
curricula. It stated that challenges persisted, especially in relation to minority groups.
Argentina made recommendations.
102. Armenia highlighted the new project to enhance communication and mutual
understanding between young people and was pleased that the new strategy on integration
and social cohesion addressed issues of integration. Armenia made recommendations.
103. Australia commended Estonia for implementing reforms to which it had committed
during the review in 2011, including the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol, and the Optional Protocol to the
Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. It
commended the adoption of the Co-habitation Act, which extended the rights of married
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