A/HRC/17/40 contributed to improving the human rights situation of Roma. In line with this, the following recommendations can be used by States as tools for further progress. 78. Concerning the challenges faced by Roma in education, employment, housing, and health, the Special Rapporteur recommends that States: (a) Ensure that Roma children and youth, including girls, are given equal access to education, and refrain from any legal or any other measures leading to imposed racial segregation in any form in access to schooling. Firm measures to eliminate racial prejudices and harassment of Roma children in schools should also be taken; (b) Ensure a more robust enforcement of their legislation prohibiting discrimination in employment and take further measures to protect Roma against the discriminatory practices that affect them in the labour market. Affirmative action to promote their employment is also encouraged; (c) Guarantee the right of Roma to housing without discrimination as provided in article 5 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (the Convention) and act firmly against any discriminatory practices affecting them in this area, taking into consideration general recommendation No. 27 (2000) of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on discrimination against Roma and general comment No. 7 (1997) of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on forced evictions; (d) Take all the necessary measures to ensure that Roma enjoy the full right to health and health care, and address the discriminatory practices among medical professionals, including through sensitization measures on Roma rights, culture and identity among such personnel. Forced sterilization of Roma women must be prohibited under the law and sanctioned properly, and the victims should be provided with effective remedies and appropriate medical assistance. 79. Regarding racial discrimination and racism experienced by Roma in the enjoyment of their civil and political rights, the Special Rapporteur recommends that States: (a) Further promote the participation of Roma in political and public life, and ensure their adequate representation in State institutions and political parties. In this regard, special measures to improve their political, policymaking and public administration skills should be taken. Political parties should also work towards fair representation of Roma within and at all levels of their party system; (b) Ensure that their legislation regarding nationality, citizenship and naturalization does not discriminate against Roma, and take appropriate measures to ensure their access to justice and effective remedies without discrimination. Furthermore, all the necessary measures should be taken to ensure that Roma individuals have access to personal documents to effectively enjoy all their human rights; (c) Condemn and prohibit racial violence against Roma. In this regard States should introduce in criminal law a provision according to which committing an offence with racist or xenophobic motivations or aims constitutes an aggravating circumstance allowing for enhanced penalties. Prompt, thorough and impartial investigations of racist acts against Roma should also be undertaken and the responsible persons adequately prosecuted and sanctioned. Roma victims should be provided with access to effective legal remedies and adequate reparation. Efforts should also be taken to improve relations between the police and Roma to restore confidence and allow a better reporting of racist acts to the police. Furthermore, due 20