A/HRC/16/11 federal and sub-federal levels and by different branches of government (executive, legislative and judicial) provided multiple and reinforcing protections for individual rights. 30. The United States then discussed other points raised by several countries: torture and the closing of the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. 31. The delegation explained that the United States is unequivocally committed to the humane treatment of all individuals in detention, whether criminal detention or detainees in United States custody in armed conflict. Through Executive Orders, the President affirmed the United States commitment to abiding by the ban on torture and inhumane treatment, ordered CIA “black sites” closed, and instructed that any interrogations must be conducted consistent with United States treaty obligations and the revised Army Field Manual. President Obama also ordered a review to ensure that the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay fully complied with Common Article 3, and established a special interagency task force to review United States interrogation and transfer policies and to ensure that all United States. transfer practices comply with United States law, policy and international obligations and never result in the transfer of any individual to face torture. 32. The United States reaffirmed the President’s commitment to closing the Guantanamo detention facility as quickly as possible, noting that the task has proven enormously complex and also involves United States allies, the courts, and the United States Congress. The United States expressed its gratitude to those countries that had accepted detainees for resettlement. 33. The delegation addressed questions related to its work to combat discrimination. The United States is committed to ensuring political participation by all qualified voters through enforcement of voting rights laws. The Justice Department will review redistricting plans after the 2010 Census to ensure that voting districts are not drawn with the purpose or effect of discriminating against minority voters. The United States explained its enforcement of laws to ensure equal access to housing, lending, credit, educational opportunities, and environmental justice. Although still grappling with the legacy of slavery and addressing problems of racial discrimination, the United States remains mindful of the need to address other inequalities as well. 34. The United States is committed to promoting equal rights for women. The delegation discussed the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the creation of an Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, and other measures. 35. The delegation also noted important initiatives to ensure more robust protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. In addition to several non-legislative measures, the United States is seeking the legislative repeal of the Defence of Marriage Act and the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell law” and policy. 36. The United States continues to be a world leader in protecting disability rights. In addition to signing the Disabilities Convention, it vigorously enforces laws against architectural barriers and unnecessary institutionalization. In the past year, the United States filed or participated in more than a dozen lawsuits to promote full inclusion of persons with disabilities. 37. The delegation then addressed questions regarding the Arizona immigration law. The Justice Department had challenged this law on grounds that it unconstitutionally interferes with the federal Government’s authority to set and enforce immigration policy, and litigation is ongoing in which a federal judge has enjoined the law. The United States expressed its commitment to advancing comprehensive immigration reform. 38. Thailand noted with appreciation that the United States had initiated the ratification process relating to a number of human rights instruments. It also welcomed the 6