A/HRC/8/31
Page 11
applicable in all its territories. Finally, Indonesia recommended that the Netherlands undertake
consistent efforts to counter racism and promote social and religious cohesion.
49. India recommended that the Netherlands continue to engage in a national dialogue with a
view to promoting respect for diversity and tolerance and consider establishing an institutional
mechanism to ensure this. India asked whether the freedom to freely profess, practise and propagate
one’s religion and faith is a fundamental right. Against the backdrop of considerable socioeconomic achievements, India is intrigued by the figures regarding the prevalence of domestic
violence and asked about the reasons behind this situation. India recommended that the Netherlands
consider implementing the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women
and CEDAW in this regard.
50. Noting the absence of a specific law to regulate restrictions on individual freedoms, Ghana
asked what methods and procedures are used to determine when the exercise of individual freedoms
infringes disproportionally on other citizens’ well-being or freedom of choice. It also wanted to
know whether the Government was succeeding in its efforts to prevent the portrayal of girls and
women as sex objects. Ghana recommended strengthening measures to increase the participation by
ethnic minority women in line with CEDAW recommendations, and intensifying human rights
education.
51. The Republic of Korea welcomed the development of an action plan on the role of human
rights education in society. It recommended that general awareness of diversity and
multiculturalism be promoted at all levels of education. It also noted that the Human Rights
Committee had expressed concern about the issue of euthanasia and the possible violations of
ICCPR concerning review procedures on the termination of life on request and assisted suicide. The
Republic of Korea wished to know what measures are being taken to address this concern.
52. Nigeria noted that the policy of the Netherlands, which places emphasis on freedom of
expression and equality of all citizens without regard to their political convictions, religion or race,
encouraged the influx of a large group of immigrants. It enquired about measures taken to properly
investigate cases of human trafficking with a view to punishing the perpetrators rather than the
victims. Nigeria recommended that the authorities take appropriate measures to prevent the use of
excessive force by security forces when forcibly repatriating migrants, refugees and asylumseekers.
53. Bangladesh noted that the Government has adopted a policy of integration to assimilate their
migrant population in the society. It asked how the Government contemplates integration keeping in
view the social and cultural rights and other fundamental rights of migrant population. It shared the
Government’s view that the explosive increase in the Internet usage poses new challenges to the
protection of human rights. Bangladesh appreciated the creation of a new cybercrime centre and
would like to know about the scope of the centre and its effectiveness so far. Bangladesh referred to
the concern expressed by CEDAW about the number of women and girls victims of trafficking, and
stated that the Government should address the issue of demand in the destination country in order to
be successful in the fight against trafficking in persons. In regard to instances of incitement of racial
hatred and religious overtone, Bangladesh appreciated the Government to dissociate or deplore such
incidents. Such acts are condoned in the name of freedom of expression and opinion, without fully
appreciating and exercising internationally agreed limitations set for by ICCPR, particularly articles
19 and 20. Bangladesh recommended that the Government, while promoting the rights of freedom
of opinion and expression, also pay due attention to commiserating responsibility and respect for
others.
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