A/HRC/31/14 10. Mr. Ruddock and Ms. McEwen also discussed two current Sub-Committee inquiries, into the advocacy of Australia for the abolition of the death penalty and into challenges facing women and girls of the Indian Ocean-Asia Pacific region. The former inquiry built on the long-standing position of Australia as an advocate for global abolition of the death penalty, exploring options to enhance that advocacy. The latter inquiry was investigating barriers and impediments to enhancing the human rights of women and girls, especially the impact of family and sexual violence, women’s leadership and economic opportunities. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 11. During the interactive dialogue, 104 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 12. Djibouti welcomed various initiatives to improve the situation of indigenous peoples, and the universal programmes on education, health and employment. 13. Egypt noted that reports concerning racial discrimination and violence, rising Islamophobia, mandatory immigrant detention and policy of the pushback of boats required attention and the situation of indigenous Australians remained of concern. 14. Estonia welcomed Parliament’s recommendation to explicitly refer to indigenous peoples in the Constitution. 15. Fiji noted with concern that the commitment of Australia to reducing greenhouse gas emissions would not be sufficient and that its third-country processing regime for asylum seekers breached human rights. 16. France inquired about the policy of pushing back boats of migrants and drew attention to the precarious situation of refugees receiving only temporary visas. 17. Georgia welcomed the appointment of the full-time Human Rights Commissioner and highlighted Australian efforts to contribute to gender equality and good governance. 18. Germany made a statement. 19. Ghana was concerned at alleged ill-treatment of asylum seekers in offshore processing centres. 20. Greece highlighted the commitment of Australia to constitutionally recognizing indigenous peoples and the importance of the work of the Human Rights Commission. 21. Guatemala welcomed the holding of a referendum on recognition of indigenous peoples in the Constitution and shared the concerns regarding the pushing-back to sea of boats of asylum seekers. 22. The Holy See acknowledged efforts to empower persons with disabilities and to close the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians and its commitment to combating trafficking in persons. 23. Honduras welcomed the establishment of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. 24. Hungary noted the intention to hold a referendum to constitutionally recognize indigenous Australians. It expressed concern that no progress has been made on ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. 4