A/HRC/11/37 562. Among the accepted recommendations were those concerning further institutional strengthening in the area of human rights. It highlighted that, in March 2009, significant constitutional reforms had been passed, as detailed in its written response to recommendations. Provisions to prohibit unlawful interference in private and family life, on the right to equality, the rights of children, freedom of religion and the right to obtain information had been enhanced. A new form of direct democracy had also been included in the Constitution, granting the right of legislative initiative to 40,000 voters. A national strategy to increase transparency and combat corruption had been decreed and a national plan for the period 2009–2011 adopted to implement the strategy. 563. Having accepted recommendations on further measures to prevent violence against women, Azerbaijan was taking social, economic and legislative measures. The definition of “discrimination on the grounds of sex” had been enhanced in the law on gender equality adopted in 2006, which included “any demonstration of differentiation and superiority for reason of gender that limit or impede equal implementation of rights”. A draft law on the elimination of domestic violence contained, inter alia, provisions on the establishment of rehabilitation centres for women and child victims of violence in various parts of Azerbaijan. 564. Azerbaijan had accepted recommendations relating to the prohibition of corporal punishment and cruel treatment of children, the enhancement of educational programmes, and measures for the social integration of children without parental supervision that were victims of sexual exploitation and physical violence. Recommendations to continue with institutional measures to increase the effectiveness of human rights protection had also been accepted. The above-mentioned constitutional amendments also included provisions prohibiting the recruitment of children under 15 years of age and the involvement of children in work that threatened their lives, health and morals. Children deprived of parental care and guardianship were in the charge of the State. A special norm had been stipulated in the Constitution on State monitoring of children’s rights. Azerbaijan also cited a number of laws on children’s rights, including with regard to child trafficking and homelessness. 565. With regard to recommendations on the effective realization of the national plan of action against human trafficking and the provision of assistance to victims, Azerbaijan had accepted these and noted that wide awareness-raising campaigns had been held involving non-governmental organizations; special websites and television programmes had been created; and social research was conducted to understand the causes and prevent perpetration of such crimes. 566. Azerbaijan had accepted some recommendations regarding the effective realization of the rights of foreigners and stateless persons in accordance with treaty body recommendations. It had noted improvements in its collection of statistics on labour migration and the elaboration of guidelines on granting work permits or immigration status. On 4 March 2009, the President of the Republic had signed a decree with a view to simplifying procedures granting permission to foreigners and stateless persons for residence and employment. The simplified procedures allowed such individuals to leave and return to Azerbaijan with passports and relevant certificates issued by the State migration service. A draft migration code was also being prepared. 567. Regarding recommendations on the further promotion of religious tolerance, Azerbaijan was ready to share its experience and the existing practice, given its notably high level of tolerance and respect for various ethnic groups and religions over the centuries. The promotion of cross-cultural and interreligious dialogue remained one of the priorities of the foreign policy of Azerbaijan. GE.09-16766 143