A/HRC/29/8
addition, Spain paid special attention to access to university for people with disabilities, for
whom there was exemption of fees and payments.
95.
Regarding the gypsy population, in the previous 40 years there had been significant
social progress. For instance, in primary education, nearly 100 per cent of Gypsy children
were in school. However, Spain was still struggling with some ongoing challenges, such as
school early dropout and the segregation of some education centres.
96.
In response to comments from delegations, the Spanish delegation reported on the
efforts on capacity-building for judges, prosecutors and other members of the investigative
teams in the fight against gender violence.
97.
In recent years the State had adopted regulations to promote equality in employment
for women and men, to encourage a better balance between work and family, and sharing
of responsibility. The measures adopted in 2014 to combat unemployment were of
particular relevance owing to the fact that unemployment was higher among women.
98.
In 2014, the Government had adopted a protocol on certain actions in relation to
unaccompanied children arriving in Spanish territory, aimed at better coordination between
concerned institutions and administrations. During their stay in the country, minors under
Spanish protection were always considered legal residents. Once they reached adulthood
they could renew their residence and work permits if they met the conditions established by
law, which were more favourable than the general provisions on this matter.
99.
In the near future the Government was expected to adopt a comprehensive plan to
combat trafficking for sexual exploitation and to develop a protocol for the protection of
victims of trafficking in human beings in order to better coordinate the action of the
institutions and administrations concerned.
100. The delegation recalled that the regime of incommunicado detention was
exceptional, applied for terrorist offences only, and could only be established by a judge or
tribunal through a reasoned decision, for the period of time that was strictly necessary. The
regime was under review within the framework of the reform of the law of criminal
procedure.
101. In recent years the Government had adopted temporary and structural measures to
address problems regarding mortgage debts. The temporary measures were taken to protect
persons who, as a result of the crisis, were no longer able to meet the obligations arising
from their mortgage loans to acquire homes and were in a situation of vulnerability. The
structural measures introduced limits to interest rates on arrears and improved auction
procedures in case debts remained after the sale in order to write them off.
102. Bulgaria appreciated recent ratifications, the establishment of the council of victims
of hate crimes and of the Rapporteur on human trafficking and the adoption of strategies on
equality of opportunity and against racism.
103. Canada welcomed the Strategy for the Elimination of Violence against Women and
encouraged that the strategy address other forms of discrimination against female victims
from migrant and disabled communities.
104. Chad welcomed the implementation of the previous recommendations and recalled
the legal and institutional frameworks for the promotion and protection of human rights.
105. Chile acknowledged the participation of civil society in the preparation of the
national report. It noted the effects of the crisis and welcomed the efforts to address its
consequences for human rights protection.
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