Mr President,
Allow me to extend the gratitude of Sweden to Her Excellency Ms Diana Strofova, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and her delegation for taking an active part in our dialogue here today. We have two recommendations and one question:
First; Sweden welcomes the efforts by the Government of Slovakia with the establishment of the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005-2015. We also note all other initiatives mentioned here today that aims at promoting the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, as guaranteed by the Constitution. Since reports show that discrimination still is evident, we recommend to continue and strengthen the measures in order to come to terms with the problems that still persist, and ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by all minority groups.
Second: As was mentioned in the presentation, the CEDAW Committee last year expressed concern about the high rate of violence against women and girls, including homicides resulting from domestic violence. We note that there are National Strategies and government-sponsored campaigns in order to raise awareness. We welcome the information provided today that those efforts will be strengthened in the National Action Plan, which is being prepared for 2009-2012. We note the reply that the legislation has been further updated, but would recommend to take further steps to ensure that the legislation on violence is fully in line with international standards, and also includes a prohibition of corporal punishment in the home.
Lastly; We welcome the inclusion of sexual orientation within the anti-discrimination act, as was mentioned in the presentation. We remember that a couple of years ago, it was discussed whether or not to approve same-sex partnerships in Slovakia. We wonder if the delegation can update us on the status of this matter and would like to ask, specifically; If today same-sex partners have been provided equal rights and responsibilities as opposite-sex partners in all areas of legislation?
Thank you, Mr President. Allowed speaking time; 2 min