A/HRC/16/9 within the Ministry of the Interior. Furthermore, special courses and educational programmes in the Police Academy were aimed at raising the awareness of legal officials regarding the need to confront violence and to improve standards and the human rights situation in prisons. Human rights awareness training had also been introduced for staff at detention centres, and civil society monitoring was used to increase the transparency of policy activity. 15. In relation to improving conditions in the penitentiary system, a special programme had been adopted in September 2010 to improve living conditions and tackle the issue of overpopulation. It was accompanied by an Action Plan for 2011–2013 specifying the relevant time frame, responsibilities, institutions and expected outcome. 16. With regard to the reform of the justice system, Government action was based on the Judicial Reform Strategy, and a special Council had been established to coordinate the implementation of the Strategy. The most recent amendment to the Constitution had provided for a permanent Supreme Judicial Council and limited magistrates’ immunity. This was followed by a new Judicial System Act, which would be reviewed to strengthen the management capacity of the judiciary and to improve the overall discipline and effectiveness of the entire system. Other improvements mentioned included the adoption of an Administrative Procedure Code and functional administrative courts, the approval of a new Civil Procedure Code, the establishment of a Commercial Register and the introduction of private judicial enforcement. In addition, the meetings of the Supreme Judicial Council were now made public and its decisions had been posted online to strengthen the accountability of the system. Furthermore, a Magistrates Code of Ethics had been introduced, appointments were based on a competitive process, the principle of tenure for senior positions had been enshrined in legislation, and the appraisal process had been strengthened, so as to support training and qualification of the judicial system, implemented through the National Institute of Justice. The Minister also referred the continued development of a Unified Information System for Combating Crime. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 17. Algeria made reference to the establishment of various institutions mandated to promote human rights, such as the Ombudsman of the Republic and the State Agency for Child Protection. Algeria also referred to racist and hate-based acts against people belonging to minorities. Algeria asked for further information about measures taken to combat corruption. It made recommendations. 18. Morocco welcomed the increasing role assigned to the Ombudsman of the Republic and encouraged Bulgaria to share best practices relating to that institution, as well as information about its impact on the enjoyment of human rights. Morocco welcomed the various actions undertaken in favour of persons with disabilities in the areas of education, employment, health and accessibility, and asked for further information about the two-year Plan on Equal Opportunities. Morocco also requested further information about Roma integration, referring to actions relating to human rights education. Morocco made recommendations. 19. The Russian Federation noted the progress achieved in acceding to international human rights agreements and treaties, as well as the wide range of programmes adopted, including the National Strategies for Promoting Gender Equality, for Equal Opportunity for Disabled Persons and for Demographic Development. Concerning a number of pending issues and existing challenges facing Bulgaria, the Russian Federation asked about the results of the implementation of the 2003 Combating in Trafficking in Human Beings Act. It noted that Bulgaria’s national institution intended to apply for accreditation as the appropriate institute operating under the Paris Principles. 5