A/HRC/23/13 99. Sweden was concerned by restrictive actions regarding freedom of expression, which the Government had restricted on the Internet. It was also concerned by reports of employer and sponsor abuse of migrant and domestic workers rights. It made recommendations. 100. Switzerland noted the United Arab Emirates’ ratification of CAT, but expressed regret at its failure to ratify other international human rights instruments. It noted that the death penalty was only rarely applied in the United Arab Emirates. It made recommendations. 101. Thailand applauded the United Arab Emirates for acceding to various conventions, improving its domestic legislative framework and building the human rights capacity of stakeholders. It acknowledged efforts to combat trafficking in persons and appreciated steps taken to improve the working conditions of migrant workers. It made recommendations. 102. Togo noted the United Arab Emirates’ accession to CAT, the CRPD and the Palermo Protocol and encouraged accession to OP-CRC. It commended the United Arab Emirates for its promotion of women’s rights. Togo made recommendations. 103. Tunisia noted the constitutional amendment of 2009, the establishment of institutions tasked with human rights issues and the ratification of CRPD and CAT. It noted efforts to promote gender equality and human rights education, and to improve living and housing conditions. It encouraged the ratification of remaining core human rights instruments. It made recommendations. 104. Regarding comments on the Cyber Crime Law, the head of the United Arab Emirates delegation explained that the aim of Law No. 5 (2012) was to address many aspects of the use or misuse of the Internet, providing sanctions for the use of the Internet for trafficking crimes, money laundering, the promotion of racial hatred, terrorism, pornography and identity theft, among others. At the same time, the law addresses matters of public order and national security, including matters such as organizing demonstrations without a licence, calling for the overthrow of the Government or insulting the United Arab Emirates rulers. Although these were sensitive matters which could be the subject of an open debate, particularly regarding fears concerning restrictions on freedom of speech, the content of this law should not be misunderstood or distorted to call into question the country’s commitment to the rule of law and respect for human rights and freedoms. 105. Regarding comments related to the strengthening of the human rights culture, including through human rights training, the delegation confirmed that it was continuing efforts in this direction. Regarding questions on labour issues, the United Arab Emirates noted that the domestic workers’ law was in the final stages of the legislative process. Once adopted, this law would close an important gap. More generally, over the past four years, the United Arab Emirates had taken increased efforts to address labour protection issues but realized this would be a dynamic process and would require further work in the future. 106. On human trafficking and domestic violence, the delegation referred to the existence of shelters, which provided a safe place for victims and were accessible through a 24-hour hotline. They also provided case management and support planning, as well as counselling and legal services. Shelters worked in liaison with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and the International Maritime Organization referral mechanisms and also pursued cooperation with relevant nongovernmental organizations to support victims. 107. Turkey commended the United Arab Emirates for its progress in all areas of human rights, in particular its national policies to empower women, promote migrant workers’ rights and combat human trafficking. It recognized that the United Arab Emirates was pursuing a goodwill strategy to enhance the rights and conditions of all workers and to raise their awareness thereof. It made recommendations. 13