A/HRC/11/17* incitement to racial and religious hatred and violence; (c) ensure legal enforcement of economic, social and cultural rights in domestic courts; (d) streamline its domestic legislation for the smooth and immediate implementation of its international obligations by all levels of government; (e) support and fully implement the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and (f) accede to the request to visit from the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, which is pending since 2006. 31. Liechtenstein highlighted Canada’s openness and cooperation in the UPR process, the treaty body system and special procedures. It noted CESCR concerns on Afro-Canadian access to education and high drop-out rates, recommending that Canada (a) intensify its efforts to ensure that higher education is equally accessible to all, on the basis of capacity; and (b) accede to OP-CAT and establish the National Preventive Mechanism as required under OP-CAT. 32. Romania commended Canada on its commitment to human rights, and on adapting its national framework to take into account relevant international instruments. It requested information on implementing the action plan against racism and on measures to counter trafficking in persons. 33. The Netherlands commended Canada for its commitment to human rights, its active role in the Council as Vice-President and the constructive dialogue in the UPR process. It asked about OP-CAT ratification. It recommended: (a) that civil society be actively involved in the further UPR process of Canada; (b) reinstating the policy of seeking clemency for all Canadian citizens sentenced to death in other countries; and (c) strengthening and enlarging existing programmes and taking more and specific measures towards Aboriginals, particularly with regard to the improvement of housing, educational opportunities, especially after elementary school, employment, and that women’s and children’s rights are better safeguarded, in consultation with civil society. It welcomed the extension of equal rights to same-sex couples and protection from hate crimes on grounds including sexual orientation, recommending (d) that the Yogyakarta principles be applied as a guide to assist in further policy development. 34. In its responses, Canada said the use of Tasers is being widely studied and is subject to a public enquiry. A number of police forces and governments are examining the policies applying to Tasers’ safe use. 35. Canada said it would find an effective way to engage civil society in the follow-up to its review. 36 The Government is taking a range of measures to address the troubling issue of violence against women. “Domestic violence” is not a separate offence in the Criminal Code, but is covered under existing criminal offences. Some provinces have instituted domestic violence courts which have greatly reduced the rate of recidivism. The Government remains committed to reducing violence against Aboriginal women. There is ongoing research and data collection on this issue. 37. Despite a period of nearly unprecedented economic growth, some Canadians have not fully benefited. The Government has been investing to support vulnerable Canadians through broad-based tax relief and other measures. Due largely to Canada’s retirement income system, .the rate of poverty among seniors was now one of the lowest in the world (5.4%). 38. Poverty among women has fallen to levels almost equivalent to the overall low income rate in Canada, even for lone mothers and unattached senior women. The gender employment gap is among the smallest in the OECD and women are significantly represented in a wide range of professional fields. This is largely the result of dramatically increased educational attainment levels, and of equity programmes. 8 GE.09-15299