A/HRC/23/15 46. Norway stated that some minority groups in Serbia were vulnerable to threats and continued to face challenges regarding the exercise of their rights, especially the Roma population and sexual minorities. It recalled the recommendation of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders (see recommendation 131.19). Norway made recommendations. 47. The State of Palestine welcomed the measures taken to achieve full equality, as well as the country’s cooperation with human rights mechanisms. It welcomed efforts in the area of countering trafficking in persons and the provision of protection and assistance to the victims. It also welcomed the draft law on the rights of the child and the prohibition of corporal punishment. It made recommendations. 48. The Philippines applauded Serbia for its commitment to protect migrant workers’ rights but was concerned that, despite its signing of ICRMW, Serbia had yet to accede to that Convention. It commended Serbia for aligning its domestic legislative framework with the Palermo Protocol. It made recommendations. 49. Hungary urged the relevant Serbian authorities to investigate cases of violent acts against persons belonging to national minorities. Hungary asked for further information on the running of the minority councils and the reasons for the transfer of minority rights issues to a government office. Hungary made recommendations. 50. Portugal welcomed the fine-tuning of Serbian legislation on sexual exploitation of children. It expressed concern about the high number of girl victims of trafficking. Portugal also asked Serbia about the steps taken to bring its definition of torture into line with that of CAT. Portugal made recommendations. 51. The Republic of Korea welcomed the recent judicial reform process to ensure both the independence of the judiciary and the right to fair trial. It also noted the ongoing efforts made in the areas of gender equality, national minorities and the protection of the Roma population. It made recommendations. 52. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia requested further information on efforts to address the problem of legally invisible persons, particularly the Roma population. It would also be grateful for information on actions taken to give effect to the Optional Protocol to CAT. 53. The Republic of Moldova welcomed the enactment of a large number of laws and regulations. It acknowledged actions introduced to ensure non-discrimination, efforts to prevent gender-based violence and punish its perpetrators, and ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation and ensure the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of child victims. It made recommendations. 54. Romania was concerned by obstacles, met by Serbian citizens from Eastern Serbia, hampering free access to religious services, education and mass media in their own mother tongue – Romanian. It underlined that the State should not condition the granting of the registration of a religious community and the recognition of its legal status on the agreement of another religious community. Romania made recommendations. 55. The Russian Federation noted steps taken to: enhance the anti-corruption policy and the independence of the judicial system; combat racist, anti-Semitic and extremist language and acts; stem neo-Nazi activities; uphold decent inter-ethnic relations; and address the rights of smaller ethnic minorities. It made a recommendation. 56. Singapore commended the achievement made by Serbia in its judicial system through reforms to provide protection for its citizens without discrimination. It noted the adoption of legislation and policies to criminalize violence against women, as well as the remedies provided. Singapore made recommendations. 8