A/HRC/8/46 Page 8 of children. Nepal noted with satisfaction the impressive rank of Sri Lanka in the global Human Development Index and the efforts made in resolving the ethnic conflict through a negotiated settlement. It also noted that Sri Lanka’ judiciary is independent. 30. Luxembourg noted numerous concerns regarding violations of children’s rights, as well as conscriptions and abductions of children in the immediate vicinity of the official security sites. Luxembourg recommended to Sri Lanka to (a) pursue the ongoing inquiries into allegations of violations of children’s rights, such as conscriptions and abductions of children in the near vicinity of official security sites, and to adopt vigorous measures to prevent such grave violations, in particular in areas held by the government; and (b) take other urgent measures for the re-integration of children who have surrendered to the governmental forces asking for special protection and that are currently held in prisons. Luxembourg also noted the weak representation of women in political decision-making bodies, and regretted a drastic increase in domestic violence and inquired about the measures envisaged in this regard. 31. The Russian Federation asked how Sri Lanka took into account the need to protect human rights during anti-terrorist operations and in dealing with the consequences of the Tsunami. Also, noting the considerable needs for technical assistance with regards to human rights capacity, it asked whether Sri Lanka had sent any request to OHCHR, and with what result. 32. Ireland recommended that Sri Lanka (a) take measures to safeguard the freedom of expression and effectively investigate allegations of attacks on journalists and media personnel and prosecute those responsible; (b) take measures to protect human rights defenders and their work and effectively investigate allegations of attacks on human rights defenders and prosecute those responsible; (c) ensure that the NHRC is a pluralist and independent body and that its establishment is in compliance with the Paris Principles; (d) address the concerns raised by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders regarding the registration of NGOs with particular regard to the need to avoid unduly constraining the activities of civil society; and (e) permit the establishment of an OHCHR presence to monitor the human rights situation in the country as well as to take measures to improve the humanitarian access, with particular regards to ensuring that access to vulnerable populations and ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers. 33. France asked what measures are envisaged to ensure the independence of the NHRC and how it will ensure follow-up to the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture. France recommended that Sri Lanka (a) sign and ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All persons from Enforced Disappearance, (b) adopt measures to shed light on a number of existing enforced disappearances and comply with the request to visit by the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances. France enquired what steps were intended to address impunity and recommended (c) that Sri Lanka ratify the Rome Statute on the International Criminal Court and (d) that the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture be implemented in accordance with a set timetable. 34. Finland enquired how protection of civilians is ensured during the conflict and expressed particular concern for the situation of journalists and abducted children. It noted the departure of the SLMM and how the discontinuation of IIGEP has created a gap in the monitoring and reporting of the human rights situation. It recommended to Sri Lanka (a) to accept an independent OHCHR presence and allow the entry of international human rights monitors; (b) to take measures to protect the rights of IDPs, including long-term housing and property restitution policies that meet international standards, and protecting the rights to a voluntary, safe return and adequate restitution.