A/HRC/17/17 advisable that non-citizens obtain Estonian citizenship in order to become a member of a political party. 39. Malaysia noted with encouragement Estonia’s emphasis on socio-economic development, which has contributed to the Government’s ability to promote and protect human rights. It noted Estonia’s commitment to advancing women’s rights and enquired about the status of the study on the gender-income gap undertaken by the Government, and its future actions in this regard. Malaysia made recommendations. 40. Referring to the concerns expressed by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Committee against Torture on violence against women, Denmark thanked Estonia for elaborating on the measures taken, and was pleased that Estonia intended to continue efforts to ensure de facto equality between women and men. Denmark noted the concern of the Committee against Torture over the excessive use of force by law enforcement personnel, and asked about Estonia’s follow-up. Denmark encouraged Estonia to take further measures to overcome the issue of statelessness and language restrictions of the Russian-speaking minority. Denmark made recommendations. 41. Germany commended Estonia on its Integration Strategy for 2008-2013 and its cooperation with the European Union (EU) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in addressing the question of the Russian-speaking minority. It thanked the delegation for its clarification on the implementation of the Integration Strategy. Germany welcomed the comprehensive policy on trafficking, in particular the Victim Support Act, and asked for details on the guidelines and handbook published in this regard, and suggested that they be shared with interested stakeholders. Germany made recommendations. 42. Norway supported the steps taken to strengthen the command of the Estonian language among the non-Estonian-speaking population. Norway positively noted the introduction of the Gender Equality Act and the establishment of the Commissioner for Gender Equality and Equal Treatment, however, it noted that financial and human resources to effectively carry out responsibilities under the Act were lacking. Norway also noted that Estonia did not have a specific legal act against human trafficking. Norway made recommendations. 43. The Netherlands commended Estonia for appointing a Commissioner for Gender Equality and Equal Treatment, but noted its lack of resources as well as persisting gender disparities. It welcomed the decision of the Government to include a prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation in the Equal Treatment Act. It took note of the efforts to advance the integration of minorities into Estonian society, in particular the Russian-speaking minority. The Netherlands made recommendations. 44. Spain recognized Estonia’s commitment to protecting the rights of its national minorities. It welcomed Estonia’s efforts to combat gender violence, in particular the Plan for the Reduction of Violence, as well as the efforts to combat discrimination on the grounds of gender identity and sexual orientation. It enquired about the supervision methods of the body in charge of “Language Inspection”. It also asked about the measures taken to reduce the number of stateless persons. Spain made recommendations. 45. France noted Estonia’s intention to accede to CRPD, and asked about the possible obstacles to the prompt ratification of this instrument, which was signed by Estonia in 2007. France noted that stateless persons represented 8 per cent of the population, and asked about the measures taken to encourage these persons living on a permanent basis in Estonia to obtain Estonian citizenship. France made recommendations. 46. Turkey praised Estonia’s transition to democracy following its regaining of independence in 1991. Turkey appreciated the new Equal Treatment Act and hoped for its 8