A/HRC/15/9 15. In 2010 and 2011, Armenia will chair the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. In February 2010, the Government approved the gender policy concept of Armenia, which was drafted with the direct participation of non-governmental organizations. The draft law on “ensuring equal rights and equal opportunities for men and women” is in the process of being formulated. 16. Combating the trafficking in human beings is recognized as one of the priorities of the Government of Armenia. In 2008, a national referral procedure for persons subjected to human trafficking was adopted. Currently, the formulation of the third national programme on combating human trafficking, for 2010-2012, is under way. In Armenia, nongovernmental organizations play an invaluable role in combating the trafficking in human beings by, inter alia, providing support for the victims of trafficking. 17. Provisions condemning violence against women are included in the Criminal Code and the Family Code of Armenia. A draft law on domestic violence has been formulated and is currently being finalized for submission to the National Assembly. In March 2010, by the decision of the Prime Minister, an Inter-agency Commission on Combating Gender Violence was established. 18. Armenia has ratified the most important international instruments relating to children’s rights. A major legislative body exists in Armenia for the provision and protection of children’s rights. In 2003, the 2004-2015 National Plan on the Protection of the Rights of the Child was approved. In 2006, a three-tiered system was introduced at the national, regional and community levels with a view to ensuring the uniform and coordinated protection of the rights and interests of children. 19. A relevant legislative framework has been established in Armenia for ensuring all the rights and freedoms of the minorities living in its territory. Armenia actively cooperates with the Council of Europe on issues related to national minorities. The establishment of the Coordinating Council for National Minorities was an important step aimed at ensuring the protection of the national minorities, promoting their inter-community relations and improving the effectiveness of State efforts related to specific educational, cultural, legal and other issues. 20. The Armenian authorities also attach great importance to combating all forms of racial discrimination at both the national and international levels. Armenian legal reforms and practical measures are guided by the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. In recent years, incitement to hatred towards Armenians and Armenia, as well as apparent war propaganda by Azerbaijan, has become a source of major concern. Manifestations of intolerance and the dissemination of xenophobia towards Armenians not only are gross violations of human rights, but also raise concerns with regard to ensuring peace, security and stability in the region. A number of well-known independent monitoring bodies expressed their deep concern about such behaviour. Armenia has repeatedly called upon the international community, particularly the Human Rights Council, to take measures aimed at halting and preventing such manifestations. 21. Armenia has taken all possible measures to ensure the protection of the human rights of persons seeking asylum and recognized as refugees in Armenia. Despite the efforts made for years to resolve the problems of more than 400,000 refugees exiled from Azerbaijan, Armenia has yet to fully resolve their housing problem. Continuous assistance from the international community would be indispensable in that regard. 22. Armenia will continue to cooperate with all international bodies and special procedures at both the regional and international levels, while also expanding its cooperation with the Human Rights Council, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General for the Prevention of Genocide. 5