A/HRC/32/8 108. Norway commended follow-up to the first review in the fields of children’s rights, gender equality and combating racism, as well as legal changes made to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention). 109. Pakistan welcomed the progress of Belgium in implementing recommendations of the first universal periodic review cycle, and commended its ongoing national legislation reforms for strengthening the protection of human rights. 110. Panama welcomed the consultations with civil society in preparing the national report, and the legislative amendments to establish equality between men and women in the transmission of the family name to children. 111. Peru acknowledged that Belgium promoted intercultural dialogue in its specific education and social policies, and had developed a national policy for migrants and refugees. 112. The Philippines commended Belgium for its improvement of policies towards migrants and asylum seekers, as well as of its domestic legal framework to protect and promote women’s rights. 113. Poland expressed appreciation for the activities of Belgium concerning the right to work, and applauded efforts to promote social inclusion, combat discrimination and support persons with disabilities. 114. Portugal welcomed the positive steps taken by Belgium since its previous review, including ratification of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. 115. The Republic of Korea commended follow-up to the first review that led to improvements in prison overcrowding, non-discrimination, gender equality and social integration. 116. The Republic of Moldova welcomed the commitment of Belgium to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, recognized achievements in safeguarding children’s rights, and sought comments regarding recent legislation on child euthanasia and sexual abuse of children. 117. The Russian Federation noted efforts to promote the integration of Roma, commended the development of the inter-federal poverty barometer, and expressed concern about minors becoming victims of sexual harassment. 118. Despite the efforts of Belgium, Saudi Arabia expressed concern about manifestations of discrimination, racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia. 119. Senegal welcomed the participatory, inclusive approach of Belgium to drafting the national report, efforts to implement most accepted recommendations, and ratification of several international human rights instruments. 120. Serbia commended the gender mainstreaming strategy of Belgium, and encouraged communication campaigns on gender equality, especially gender-based violence. It encouraged Belgium to ratify the Istanbul Convention. 121. Singapore welcomed efforts to combat racism and discrimination, including release of a 2013 joint circular on the policy of identifying and prosecuting discrimination and hate-related violence. 12 GE.16-05884