A/HRC/8/49 Page 10 which will be implemented also in partnership with Roma NGOs. The legislative framework currently in place is one of the most successful in Europe to fulfil economic and social rights. 35. The Czech Republic sought further information on measures taken to prevent and fight trafficking in women and children and recommended that Romania strengthen the protection of victims of trafficking against criminalization. It also asked about measures adopted to eliminate negative societal attitudes and discrimination toward persons living with HIV/AIDS and persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity. It recommended that Romania provide effective sanctions for discrimination against people living with HIV, that the Government ban mandatory HIV testing as a condition of employment and ensure that persons living with HIV are not arbitrarily prevented from working or attending vocational schools. It also recommended that Romania continue the adoption of measures, including awareness raising programmes, against negative prejudices and discrimination against persons living with HIV and sexual minorities. It recommended that awareness-raising programmes on the protection of the enjoyment of human rights by persons of minority sexual orientation and gender identity be launched, also for law enforcement personnel, as part of a wider comprehensive campaign to prevent and punish any acts of ill-treatment in detention against persons perceived as belonging to these groups. It recommended the ratification of Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture in the near future and the designation of an effective national preventive mechanism. 36. Colombia noted with great interest the information provided by Romania in the national report on the issue of discrimination and the broad definition adopted within its legal and institutional context, which prohibits and combats any type of discrimination for reasons of race, religion, nationality, gender or sexual orientation. It asked Romania how it facilitates the participation of civil society in the implementation of the National Strategy for the Implementation of the Measures to Prevent and Combat Discrimination and asked whether there are any indicators envisaged to measure its impact. 37. Qatar highlighted the challenges and commitments identified by Romania in their national report. It suggested that those commitments should be embodied as part of the recommendations adopted by the UPR working group. 38. Bangladesh commended Romania on steps taken towards democratisation, including its efforts the area of human rights. It also noted the concern expressed by the treaty bodies and referred to the discrimination against minorities, particularly the Roma community. It urged Romania to continue to improve the situation of the Roma community so that they can benefit from the socio-economic opportunities and enjoy their fundamental human rights. It also referred to CEDAW concerns about discrimination against women, particularly rural women in the labour market. It also asked about measures taken to implement recommendations made by the Committee on the Rights of the Child. 39. Guatemala commended Romania on overcoming the various obstacles and in becoming a genuine liberal democracy and a member of the EU. It noted there were still obstacles to the full enjoyment of human rights, in particular, by minorities such as Roma. It appreciated the Government’s initiatives in resolving this issue and the creation of the National Council for Combating Discrimination, and welcomed the fact that Romania continues its efforts, particularly in combating negative attitudes towards persons with HIV/AIDS and towards sexual minorities, through activities, awareness campaigns and open dialogue. It recommended Romania to apply the recommendation of the Special Rapporteur on the right to health as there are still obstacles to access to health services by marginal populations, and to address this problem through educational programmes on diversity, and to train professionals in the health sectors. As CEDAW did, it

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