A/HRC/18/17 28. The delegation reported that the periodic report to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was already prepared and would be submitted soon to that treaty body. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 29. During the interactive dialogue, 48 delegations made statements. A number of countries recognized Hungary’s openness to international scrutiny and its willingness to make further progress on human rights. A number of countries thanked Hungary for preparing a comprehensive national report involving a wide spectrum of Government departments, experts and civil society stakeholders. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 30. India noted concerns regarding the persistent discrimination against the Roma people with respect to education, health, employment and housing, and the disproportionately high levels of poverty among them. India inquired about the effectiveness of the Programme for the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005-15 and any progress achieved in the implementation of the European Roma Strategy. India made a recommendation. 31. France noted that Hungary is party to most core human rights instruments. France observed that the new constitution did not explicitly prohibit the death penalty and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and inquired whether legislation protecting against such discrimination was envisaged. France noted that Roma had been victims of racist acts and intimidation by extremists and inquired on measures envisaged to protect them. France made recommendations. 32. Switzerland, observing that victims of racist attacks often belonged to ethnic minorities or vulnerable groups, underlined that recent violence against Roma committed by right-wing militia was unacceptable. Switzerland emphasized the prohibition of all forms of discrimination, the respect for the principle of non-refoulement and for the freedom of expression, thus of the press, to be guaranteed by national legislation. Switzerland made recommendations. 33. Indonesia commended Hungary for its efforts to promote real equality between women and men through the adoption of the National Strategy for the Promotion of Gender Equality -- Guidelines and Goals 2010-2021. Indonesia appreciated Hungary’s efforts to combat discrimination and the work undertaken to enact legislation on hate crimes and to protect the interests of Roma. Indonesia made recommendations. 34. The Russian Federation referred to the concerns expressed by the treaty bodies and special procedures about the increase in anti-Semitism, cases of torture by police against national minorities and non-citizens, discrimination and segregation against the Roma. It made recommendations. 35. Ecuador noted broad internal debate and consultation with civil society in the preparation of the national report. It hoped that the implementation of the newly adopted Constitution would be in accordance with Hungary’s international obligations. It welcomed the information provided on measures taken for social and economic inclusion of the Roma population. It noted that these measures could constitute an important step for the improvement of the human rights situation of this minority. It made recommendations. 36. Algeria welcomed the Budapest Human Rights Forum, efforts to protect women and children, integrate minorities and for equality of treatment and opportunity. It sought information on the recent media law and the right to health. Algeria noted concerns about International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights provisions not being 6