A/HRC/22/3 17. The Czech Republic stated that it had developed a long-term policy concept on the integration of foreigners. Foreigners could use a wide range of services provided by the State, regions and municipalities for counselling and assistance. 18. Regarding special policies for women and elderly persons, the Czech Republic stated that it had adopted several action plans against domestic violence with measures aimed at victims, witnesses and the perpetrators. The rights of the victim would be supported by a future law on crime victims. 19. Concerning elderly persons, the State had adopted the National Programme to Prepare for Population Ageing (2008–2012), aimed at creating a supportive, integrated and friendly environment for older people with full respect for their rights and dignity. The Government Council for Older Persons and Population Ageing provided a platform for Government representatives, civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to meet and discuss the problems of the elderly population. 20. The Czech Republic also referred to the ratification of the Optional Protocol to CRPD. The establishment of the independent monitoring mechanism was currently being discussed in the Government. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 21. During the interactive dialogue, 61 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 22. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea raised concerns about the continued racially motivated discrimination against Roma, including attempted homicides, property damages, discrimination in children’s education and enforced sterilization of Roma women. It also stressed allegations of trafficking of foreign migrant workers and fraud in the forest industry, where people were forced to work up to 12 hours per day with very little or no pay. DPRK made recommendations. 23. Denmark shared its appreciation of the activities of the Agency for Social Inclusion within the field of the integration of national minorities. It however noted the persistent segregation of Roma children in schools, stressing their disproportionate number in special schools while they constitute only 2 per cent of the Czech population. Denmark made recommendations. 24. Egypt noted that despite legislative and policy measures to fight social exclusion there was persistent discrimination and racism against migrants and minorities, in particular Roma. It referred to the widespread opposition to the opening of new mosques, involving the use of xenophobic and racist statements. Egypt made recommendations. 25. Estonia thanked the Czech Republic for the additional information provided in its opening speech and noted the cooperation of the Czech Republic with treaty bodies and special procedures. It also noted that the Government had taken a number of positive measures to implement the recommendations received and to promote and protect the rights of the child and persons with disabilities. Estonia made a recommendation. 26. Finland noted the sustained efforts made to improve the situation of Roma and other minorities. However, it raised concerns regarding the disproportionately high number of practical schools or separated classes for Roma children. It enquired about measures to ensure that Roma children have access to the same schools as the other children in a nondiscriminatory manner. Finland made recommendations. 27. France enquired about the measures taken to stop discrimination against Roma children, in particular in the schooling system. It also enquired about the compensation 5

Select target paragraph3

Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents