A/HRC/11/37 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 181. Qatar saluted Germany’s efforts to respond positively to the recommendations, particularly with regard to better integration of Muslims in society and the full enjoyment by Muslims of their human rights, such as freedom of religion and non-discrimination. It noted that Germany had taken positive measures in countering discrimination on the basis of religion. It encouraged Germany to implement the recommendations concerning combating discrimination, in particular vis-à-vis ethnic and religious minorities. Qatar welcomed developments, in line with its recommendation, with regard to the punishment of perpetrators of acts of violence on the grounds of racial discrimination, particularly against Muslims. It also noted the measures taken by Germany to ensure compliance with international standards, such as protection of freedom of religion, for example of Islam, adding that this showed the political will to allow foreigners and above all Muslims to enjoy their rights fully. It hoped for further improvements in this regard. 182. Algeria highlighted the increase in racist incidents, particularly against Muslims, Sinti, Roma and asylum-seekers of African origin. It said it would follow with great interest the implementation of its recommendation to follow up on the recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It expressed interest in measures to prevent racially motivated offences, guarantee equality in the right to suitable housing, lift obstacles for asylum-seekers to educate their children and make ethnically, racially or religiously motivated hatred an aggravating circumstance in criminal cases. Noting Germany’s commitment to combating racism, Algeria had recommended that it contribute actively to the Durban Review Conference preparations. Given Germany’s contribution to the preparatory process, Algeria regretted its boycott of the Conference and called on it to join the consensus on the outcome document. It regretted that Germany had not accepted the recommendations with regard to migrant workers and accession to the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. 183. The Russian Federation thanked Germany for its detailed and substantive replies to the recommendations made. It noted Germany’s constructive approach to the universal periodic review, which was displayed in particular by the fact that Germany had agreed fully to 70 per cent of the recommendations, including two from the Russian Federation. It looked forward to the report on their implementation during the next cycle of the review process. It highlighted Germany’s agreement with the recommendation to intensify efforts to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. It trusted that appropriate steps in this regard would include the adoption of a final decision on Germany’s accession to the outcome document of the Durban Review Conference. 184. Saudi Arabia commended Germany’s acceptance of recommendation 15 and the commitment to continue implementing the national plan of action to eliminate xenophobia and Islamophobia. It cited the integration into German society of 3.4 million Muslims and the protection of their rights as proof of Germany’s interest in implementing its national plan of action to eliminate racism and racial discrimination. Saudi Arabia said that Germany had reaffirmed its commitment to cooperate with the international community, commended it for its tireless efforts to protect human rights, especially minority rights, and called on it to continue doing so. 185. The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterated its serious concerns at the growing racism and persistent discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnic origin, gender, religion and belief; ill-treatment by law-enforcement officials; the dramatic increase in racist violence against minorities; and the Government’s poor strategy to counter this phenomenon. It said that the Government had failed to deal sufficiently with race-related incidents and discrimination against Muslim, Sinti/Roma and other communities. It noted that no 86 GE.09-16766