A/HRC/8/31 Page 8 be value-based conflict within the country because it is a multicultural society, she indicated that in a democracy based on the rule of law, such conflict can be solved peacefully. She also responded to the question regarding the persistence of discrimination, noting that it has a lot to do with the identity of the Netherlands. She stated that it is unfortunately always difficult to remove prejudice from peoples’ minds. Politics, media and society as a whole have become more intense, and fostering real dialogue will help to counter prejudice. 33. On discrimination in labour participation, the State Secretary for Justice said that people must have every opportunity to work and to access the labour market on the basis of equal rights and equal treatment. According to the Planning Bureau of the Netherlands, the growth of the labour market will slow down, an issue which is retaining very specific attention by the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment. In response to Egypt’s remark, the State Secretary repeated that it firmly opposes the documentary “Fitna” and the decision of the filmmaker to show it on the Internet, noting that such an action is marked by a desire to create polarization. The Netherlands was pleased to see that reactions now are such as they are, and that the position of Muslims in the Netherlands is welcomed and encouraged. 34. On domestic violence, the State Secretary for Justice said that the emphasis of the new action programme will be on consolidating results and responses to new developments, particularly on prevention and early identification. A national awareness campaign on violence against women was launched, as were a national hotline and a special website in April 2007. Regarding all forms of violence against women, such as sexual crimes, domestic violence, abuse and honour-related violence, the Emancipation Monitor addresses this with statistics and updates on prevalence and type of violence. As stated earlier, she said that its aim is to give immediate assistance to victims of trafficking. The Netherlands has implemented all the recommendations made by the National Rapporteur on Trafficking. 35. The State Secretary for Justice mentioned that lifting the ban on brothels in 2000 enabled the Government to exercise more control over the sex industry and to counter abuses. The police make frequent controls, pick up on violations, and take actions against sexual violence and trafficking. This has led to improved working conditions for prostitutes with regard to their health and safety. She also addressed questions regarding the issue of the end-of-life decisions for newborn handicapped infants whose suffering is unbearable. In recent State reports, the Netherlands has reported on developments on this issue, noting that hospital personnel can often face difficult decisions in this regard. Action to end the life of newborn handicapped infants is criminal even if the suffering is unbearable, and is considered homicide in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, extremely complex medical issues are raised when the infant has congenital abnormalities which cannot go away. In 2006, a Committee of Experts to advise on end-of-life decisions was established. 36. On the fire incident which resulted in the loss of 11 lives of illegal aliens who were about to be repatriated, the State Secretary for Justice said that the fire did not occur in a reception centre for asylum-seekers but in a detention centre for illegal aliens. The Netherlands has taken measures to improve fire prevention safety in reception and detention centres. 37. The State Secretary for Justice addressed the new legislation on counterterrorism, indicating that the possible effects of all legislative measures on human rights are taken into account in new lawmaking processes, in particular when such measures address sensitive issues such as the prevention of terrorism. Parliament will use all means and instruments to examine the compatibility of new legislation with human rights. She said that therefore the legislation meets international human rights standards.