A/HRC/8/49 Page 11 recommended that there should be awareness campaigns for education on human rights and in particular on women’s rights. 40. Finland noted that according to the Institute on Religion and Public Policy (IRPP), the legal situation of religious freedom in Romania is poor, and asked what steps the Government has taken to protect the rights of persons belonging to minority religious communities. It recommended that Romania strengthen its efforts to protect the right to freedom of religion by ensuring that persons belonging to religious minorities are able to freely exercise their religion and that rights of persons belonging to religious minorities are protected and respected without discrimination. Finland noted the parade called the “GayFest” organized every year in May and June by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community and recommended that Romania investigate and prosecute those responsible for attacks on peaceful lesbian and gay activists and ensure that future LGBT gatherings, including the annual GayFests, are both permitted and protected by the Romanian authorities. 41. Philippines welcomed the remarkable transition Romania has undergone from a totalitarian regime to a thriving democracy and commended the exemplary manner in which Romania contributes to fighting climate change. It also noted with appreciation the serious attention paid by Romania to the issue of human trafficking and the various measures taken in that regard and the challenges it still faces. It asked if the Government has additional plans to promote the rights of victims in society, including their rehabilitation and reintegration. It also asked whether Romania will invite the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons to further examine strategies and how the issue can be more fully addressed. It encouraged Romania to ensure that persons living with HIV/AIDS, especially children, can fully enjoy their human rights through, inter alia, equitable access to basic services and education. It recommended that Romania continue to respect and promote the human rights of vulnerable groups, including the Roma communities. 42. Germany welcomed the detailed answers provided to the questions put in advance with respect to measures taken to combat discrimination against Roma, especially women and children. It sought complementary information on the work of the National Council for Combating Discrimination and the National agency for Roma and whether the members and/or representatives of the Roma community are involved in the work of these two institutions. It also inquired on Roma’s NGOs actively working to improve by mutual assistance within community network the situation of, specifically Roman women and children. 43. Bosnia and Herzegovina, while noting that Romania has ratified the core international human rights instruments, expressed hope that the Government will make additional efforts in its activities to increase cooperation with the human rights treaty bodies, especially with regard to its reporting obligations. It also made reference to information contained in the summary report with regard to a high number of children in the care of grandparents or other relatives, or who do not receive any care. It asked if Romania has a coherent national policy to address this problem and if the National Authority for the Protection of the Rights of the Child has developed programmes that address those vulnerable categories of children. It also asked if Romania will address this problem as part of its National Strategy for the protection of the child for 2008-2013. 44. Japan commended Romania on measures to protect and promote the rights of children. It sought further information on concrete measures that Romania is planning to take to raise public awareness of trafficking risks. Japan welcomed Romania’s sincere efforts to implement a wide range of measures addressing the issue of discrimination against the Roma minority. However, it noted concerns expressed by the Committee on the Rights of the Child and CEDAW in that regard and requested information on how various institutions engaged in the elimination of discrimination

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