A/HRC/29/8 42. Norway welcomed the efforts made to deal with the extraordinary migratory pressures in Ceuta and Melilla and asked about the response of Spain to concerns regarding the fairness and efficiency of asylum procedures. 43. Pakistan noted as encouraging that Spain had made efforts to implement recommendations received during the first cycle of the UPR. 44. Panama congratulated Spain for the ratification of several international conventions since its first UPR. 45. Paraguay appreciated the financial support to OHCHR and the open invitation to all special procedures, and welcomed programmes on eliminating discrimination and genderbased violence. 46. The Philippines noted positive developments in the fight against trafficking and the elimination of gender-based violence. It remained concerned at alleged discrimination and ill-treatment of unaccompanied migrant children as reported by United Nations mechanisms. 47. Poland commended the efforts of Spain with regard to the adoption of international human rights law and standards and the amendments to the Criminal Code with a view to combating discrimination, racism and xenophobia. 48. Portugal welcomed the determination of Spain in combating violence against women and in promoting gender equality, noting the adoption of the National Strategy for the Elimination of Violence against Women. 49. Qatar appreciated strategies to promote the rights of children with disabilities and the rights of women, the establishment of a rapporteur on trafficking and the participation of Spain in the Alliance of Civilizations. 50. The Republic of Korea welcomed the establishment of a hate crime department in provincial prosecutors’ offices and the Rapporteur on human trafficking, and the inclusion of human rights in school curricula. 51. The Republic of Moldova noted significant steps to combat human trafficking and asked for more information on preparing a second plan against trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation. 52. Romania commended Spain for the submission of a mid-term report and noted that, following a peaceful transition, the country had built a vibrant democracy that had stood up to the challenges of terrorism and to an economic crisis. 53. The Russian Federation welcomed the efforts of the Government to protect human rights, including the implementation of UPR recommendations. It noted violations of migrants’ rights and prison overcrowding. 54. The Spanish delegation welcomed the references made by several delegations to the Alliance of Civilizations, a Spanish-Turkish initiative in its origins, as well as to the Business and Human Rights Plan, and expressed thanks for the cooperation of several countries in its preparation. In response to questions on discrimination, racism and xenophobia, the Spanish delegation mentioned that, under the strategy to combat racism and xenophobia, a series of activities for prevention and detection had been developed, such as the Annual Report on Racism and Xenophobia. Training, public policies and institutional cooperation had also been strengthened. 55. Regarding the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the delegation recalled that the Spanish Constitution and legislation guaranteed the rights of migrants. Spain followed the European Union position on the matter. 7