A/HRC/16/11 Government’s efforts to address discrimination on various grounds and to promote equality before the law for all. 39. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya was concerned at, inter alia, the racial discrimination and intolerance against persons with African, Arab Islamic and Latin American origins, the denial of the indigenous community of their rights, human rights violations resulting from its policies of occupation and invasion and the imposition of blockades. It was concerned over the large number of prisoners at Guantanamo, deprived of their right to a fair trial. 40. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland noted that the United States had a strong record in human rights protection and welcomed US recognition of the need to achieve greater equality for minorities, people with disabilities and LGBT individuals. It was concerned that the death penalty could sometimes be administered in a discriminatory manner and encouraged the United States to address those systemic issues. It asked about steps the United States had taken towards the ratification of Treaties and Optional Protocols to Conventions it had already signed. It encouraged the United States to redouble its efforts to ensure the closure of the Guantanamo detention facilities in a timely manner. 41. France welcomed the United States’ pledge to ratify CEDAW and its intention to close the Guantanamo detention centre. It asked what measures had been taken in that regard and when the closure was expected. 42. Australia noted that the United States, in many ways, led by example in promoting human rights standards around the world. It expressed concern, however, at the country’s continued use of the death penalty. It remained concerned about reports of violent crimes against persons of minority sexual orientation. Australia welcomed the United States’ efforts to address the gap between the rights of Native and other Americans. Australia encouraged the United States to become a party to CRPD. 43. Belgium noted with regret that the death penalty was still applied by some 35 states. It expressed concern at the situation in the prison system, including violence against detainees; prison overpopulation and overrepresentation of some ethnic groups; and imprisonment, sometimes for life, without any possible reprieve for those who were minors when the acts were carried out. 44. The Sudan commended the United States’ efforts to promote and protect human rights on its territory and globally. It commended the United States for its efforts to create the conditions necessary for the ratification of international conventions. 45. Austria stated that the United States had set positive examples in the protection of human rights at the national and international levels. 46. Bahrain noted the adoption of legislation on health care. Bahrain referred to the recommendations made by CAT on CAT’s applicability in times of war and peace, and asked on the steps taken to implement that recommendation. It also referred to the recommendation made by CERD on the establishment of a national human rights institution. 47. Viet Nam noted the United States’ commitment to strengthening its system of human rights protection. It expressed concern about the reported discrimination against migrants and foreigners, including Vietnamese migrants and students, and the lack of Government commitment to support many core international human rights instruments. 48. Ireland welcomed progressive developments in the United States including the Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 and the work that is being conducted towards the ratification of the ILO Convention No. 111. Ireland noted that the United States remains one of the few countries in the world that continue to apply the death penalty. Ireland asked 7