A/HRC/14/15 65. Slovakia noted that under the Foreign Citizens Act, adopted in 1991, more than 25,000 citizens of the former Yugoslavia had been removed from the population registers. Slovakia made a recommendation. 66. Serbia noted that, under the Constitution, national minority status was recognized for the Hungarian, Italian and Roma communities. Serbia encouraged the Government to consider the possibility of recognizing national minority status for other pertinent groups. It encouraged all relevant institutions to enhance their efforts aimed at the adequate use of the Serbian language. Serbia welcomed Slovenia’s commitment to resolving the issue of “erased persons.” Serbia made a recommendation. 67. The Czech Republic welcomed the Action Plan against Human Trafficking for 2008-2009. It asked about measures being taken to prevent and reduce statelessness. It made recommendations. 68. In response to additional questions, Slovenia provided further information concerning the issue of “erased persons” and indicated that the relevant law would be publicized following its adoption. 69. Regarding questions raised concerning ethnic groups, Slovenia noted that articles 14, 61 and 62 of the Constitution guaranteed to the members of all national minority groups full exercise of their individual rights in order to maintain their national, linguistic and cultural characteristics. Moreover, the Ministry of Culture enabled the members of various minority groups and ethnic communities, as well as immigrants, to obtain financing, through public tenders, for the implementation of cultural projects. Slovenia provided information about a number of such projects/programmes. 70. Furthermore, regarding the issue of the German-speaking minority, Slovenia clarified that a public tender existed and that it was based on a bilateral agreement between Slovenia and Austria. Additionally, a study to determine the views of the inhabitants of the Kočevje area had been commissioned, and its findings would provide a basis for further consideration of the issue. 71. With respect to language availability for ethnic groups, Slovenia explained that the Ministry for Education and Sports provided for lessons in 14 languages, including the languages of Slovenia and now those of certain migrant communities as well. 72. As for the right to education, Slovenia clarified that the right to equal access to education was included in many strategies, such as those for the Roma and migrants, and clarified that each was supplemented by a plan of action. At the level of basic education, it was the State's obligation to provide free education to every person of compulsory age. 73. Concerning questions regarding hate speech, Slovenia clarified that the Media Act set out the constitutional principle of prohibition of incitement to discrimination and intolerance. It added that information disseminated in the media could not incite ethnic, racial, religious, gender-based or other forms of discrimination or intolerance. Editors and journalists were obliged to act in accordance with ethical and professional rules and standards. In 2008, the new Criminal Code had been amended with regard to hate speech, and a new provision defined that offence in detail, envisaging two- to three-year sentences of imprisonment. 74. Concerning questions raised regarding women and employment, Slovenia noted that it was among the countries of the European Union with the smallest wage gap. It added that labour legislation prohibited discrimination based on gender and noted the existence of various programmes address cases of discrimination. 75. Regarding women and violence, Slovenia noted that it had adopted various measures to reduce violence against women. All acts of violence had been criminalized under the 10