UNITED NATIONS E Economic and Social Council Distr. GENERAL E/C.12/1/Add.37 8 December 1999 Original: ENGLISH COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLES 16 AND 17 OF THE COVENANT Concluding observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Bulgaria 1. The Committee considered the third periodic report of Bulgaria on the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (E/1994/104/Add.16) at its 30th-32nd meetings, held on 16 and 17 November 1999 (twenty-first session), and adopted, at its 50th and 51st meetings, held on 30 November 1999, the following concluding observations. A. Introduction 2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the third periodic report by the State party which conforms generally with its guidelines. The Committee appreciates the comprehensive written replies submitted by the State party to the list of issues. It also notes with satisfaction the openness and candour of the exchange of views with the State party’s delegation, as well as the comprehensive oral answers given to the questions put to the delegation during the dialogue. B. Positive aspects 3. The Committee notes with satisfaction that despite the difficulties of the transition period, the State party has made extensive efforts to comply with its obligations under the Covenant. 4. The Committee notes with appreciation the ongoing consideration of the establishment of an Ombudsman’s office in Bulgaria, and encourages the State party to proceed as speedily as possible towards the creation of the post. GE.99-46175 (E)