A/HRC/32/8 28. While noting the efforts of Belgium to combat discrimination, the United States expressed concern about instances of discrimination against members of minority groups. 29. Uruguay considered that the independence of the national human rights institutions enshrined in the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles) was a fundamental principle to respect, and noted that several actors were concerned about overcrowding in prisons. 30. Uzbekistan noted the concern of United Nations human rights bodies about Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, and the excessive use of force by law enforcement representatives against immigrants. 31. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela expressed concern about the prison system in Belgium and the overcrowded conditions systematically described by international bodies as cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. 32. Zambia called upon Belgium to take measures to combat racially motivated violence and ill-treatment by police officers targeting persons with immigrant backgrounds. 33. Afghanistan commended Belgium for its training programmes for judges, police officers and other professionals aimed at combating gender-based violence. 34. Albania commended Belgium for the progress achieved in the area of human rights. 35. Algeria welcomed the enactment of new legislation, such as the 2013 law which provided for heavier penalties for certain offenses with racial motivations. 36. Angola encouraged Belgium to continue its efforts to improve prison capacity and find alternatives to imprisonment. 37. Argentina welcomed the ratification by Belgium of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the work carried out by the authorities to address racism and discrimination. 38. Armenia welcomed the instruments set up by Belgium in the framework of the fight against racial discrimination, extremism and xenophobia. 39. Australia acknowledged efforts made by the Belgian Centre for Equal Opportunities on the implementation of obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 40. Azerbaijan welcomed the ratification of several international human rights instruments by Belgium since its first review. 41. Bahrain expressed concern about xenophobic speeches by politicians in the media and cases of xenophobia amongst law enforcement bodies. 42. Bangladesh expressed appreciation for the actions adopted by Belgium to curb racial discrimination. Nonetheless, it noted the concern of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination about acts of Islamophobia in Belgium. 43. Belarus noted measures to combat racism, extremism and xenophobia, but considered that a holistic approach was needed to root out their causes. It noted that priority should be given to addressing a high level of poverty. 44. Benin welcomed the measures undertaken by Belgium to address prison overcrowding situations, improve the conditions of detention and fight against racial discrimination. 45. Botswana welcomed the measures adopted by the French Community for combating racism and discrimination, and encouraged Belgium to adopt a national action plan against racism. GE.16-05884 7