A/HRC/8/24 Page 10 framework on human rights, the various programmes and action plans, the status of implementation of its pledges and commitments in further promoting and protecting human rights of its citizens, as well as the explanation on Finland’s reservations to the international human rights instruments it is a party to. Malaysia considered that some of Finland’s experiences were good practices and that others could be shared and emulated. It agreed on the importance of good governance in creating conducive conditions for basic rights and liberties. At the same time, Malaysia believed that other enabling factors played an equal important role, such as the high level of socio-economic development and the homogeneity of the population. In that respect, Finland, as a developed country, was in an enviable situation. Malaysia particularly commended Finland on the importance it gave to issues of the environment and the social responsibility attached to its protection. The delegation requested more details on the awareness programmes already implemented in guaranteeing the right of a healthy environment. As regards efforts to address manifestations of racism, Malaysia commended the initiatives currently undertaken by Finland. Malaysia hopes that Finland would work closely with States which already have in place concrete measures or programmes in addressing this issue. 30. Netherlands thanked Finland for answering the written questions submitted concerning the position of ethnic minorities and with regard to the challenges ahead to prevent domestic violence and violence against women. It recommended that further efforts be made and measures be taken to promote the rights of ethnic minorities, such as Roma and Sámi. It welcomed the inclusion of sexual orientation in Finland’s human rights legislation and anti-discrimination training activities and recommended that the same coverage be provided for the ground of sexual orientation and disability, as for other grounds of discrimination, for example in areas such as the provision of services and health care. 31. China expressed appreciation for the report and thanked Finland for its presentation, which together had given a comprehensive overview of the laws, regulations, framework and the specific measures taken for the promotion and protection of human rights. The report also contained an analysis of the challenges faced in the protection and promotion of human rights. It appreciated the positive progress achieved in the promotion and protection of human rights. It noted the serious and responsible attitude with which Finland has prepared its report and that the preparation of the report had benefited from an active participation of governmental departments, human rights bodies and the civil society, and the report had also fully absorbed the views of the various sides. It wished to know whether NGOs, apart from their participation in the preparation of the human rights report, were also directly involved in human rights policy-making and specific decision-making. Additionally, as Finland is intensifying its human rights education and makes it reach larger parts of the population, would Finland consider integrating issues such as the resolution of the existing human rights problems, like racism and intolerance, into Finnish human rights education programmes. 32. Mexico requested further information on the status of international treaties in the Finnish legal structure and also about the openness of the country, as Mexico is particularly interested in looking at how it can follow up on visits by the special procedures and on the recommendations of treaty bodies. Mexico made two recommendations to Finland, firstly, to strengthen the efforts to restrict any outbreaks of racism and xenophobia particularly those manifestations of racism and discrimination on the Internet, as recommended by CERD. Secondly, related to violence against women, which is unfortunately an issue and concern in many countries no matter how developed these countries are, and is an issue of concern to the entire international community. The Secretary of State mentioned this issue and Mexico found the information in the report submitted by civil society, in particular in paragraphs 79 to 87 of the summary report. In the context of a national plan mentioned, Mexico recommended that Finland step up as far as possible measures taken to prevent