A/HRC/13/10
B.
Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
25.
During the interactive dialogue, statements were made by 47 delegations. A number
of delegations commended on Portugal’s commitment to the promotion and protection of
human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights. They also appreciated the
substantive and comprehensive national report, detailed presentation and the responses to
advance questions. Tribute was also paid to Portugal’s international leadership in the
advancement of social, economic and cultural rights, particularly its key role in the
negotiations that led to the adoption of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant
on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Further, Portugal was commended for its
comprehensive approach in combating the negative impacts of the current economic and
financial crises on all human rights. Recommendations made during the interactive
dialogue are listed in Chapter II of the present report.
26.
Belarus commended on efforts to promote the integration of migrants, to support
cultural diversity and stimulate intercultural dialogue. Belarus noted the 2008 law on
asylum, which expanded the rights and protected the interest of asylum seekers. It noted
important efforts being carried out to combat trafficking in persons, to prevent violence in
the family, and to ensure gender equality. Belarus made a recommendation.
27.
China commended on efforts in promoting gender equality and combating domestic
violence, racial discrimination and human trafficking. China enquired about measures
envisaged to address drop-out rates among girls and children in middle schools, as well as
measures taken to protect the economic, social and cultural rights of minorities, especially
the Roma. China made a recommendation.
28.
Brazil recognized efforts regarding non-discrimination and integration of
immigrants particularly legal provisions for all children, regardless of the irregular situation
of his/her parents, to have access to education. Brazil expressed concern about allegations
regarding police misconduct towards ethnic minorities or persons of non-Portuguese origin.
Brazil asked whether Portugal was considering recommendations of the Committee on the
Elimination of Racial Discrimination to introduce a provision in the criminal law that
committing an offense with racist motivation or aim shall constitute an aggravating
circumstance. Brazil made recommendations.
29.
Finland requested maintaining the mechanism set up to prepare the national report
after the review. They enquired about the targeted measures taken in implementing the
recommendations of the human rights mechanisms on the rights of the Roma minority in
areas such as housing, education and access to employment and how this minority was
involved in this process. On violence against women and domestic violence, Finland asked
about concrete measures taken to ensure the effectiveness of law and targeted special
programmes put in place in connection with the implementation. Finland made a
recommendation.
30.
Canada welcomed improvements made regarding the rights of children with
disabilities and their integration into mainstream education. Canada noted reports of illtreatment of detainees and in some cases excessive use of force by the police. Canada
appreciated the Government’s recognition that domestic violence remained a problem, and
that it had implemented the National Plan against Domestic Violence of 2007–2010.
Canada made recommendations.
31.
The Philippines recognized that the Government had established national
institutions, requesting information about the High Commission for Immigration and
Intercultural Dialogue, and on how it promoted intercultural dialogue at the local level and
its role in promoting the rights of migrants. Philippines noted the challenges regarding the
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