A/HRC/23/3
significantly more resources available for law enforcement. The rise in the number of racist
acts was due in part to better statistical awareness of the phenomenon and an increase in the
number of convictions for offences linked to racism. Over the past few years, however,
there had been a growing trend in the number of racially motivated acts, and that was also
reflected in public speeches and on the Internet.
72.
France had built up a comprehensive legal framework to combat racism and antiSemitism. A National Action Plan against Racism and Anti-Semitism (2012–2014) had also
been adopted. The aim of the Plan, which was coordinated by an interministerial delegate,
was to better identify acts of a racist or anti-Semitic nature, to suppress such behaviour
systematically, to combat discrimination, and to make combating racism and anti-Semitism
part of the integration and equal opportunities policy.
73.
Furthermore, France had introduced a Ministry of Women’s Rights in 2012 and a
High Council for Equality in 2013. In addition to the fact that there were equal numbers of
men and women in the Government, the ministers had also each appointed a senior official
responsible for promoting equality between men and women within the ministry concerned.
74.
France had introduced several measures to ensure gender equality in the workplace
and in leading public and private bodies (an Act on balanced representation of men and
women on boards of directors and supervisory boards and a second Act relating to access to
employment and combating discrimination in the civil service).
75.
Uzbekistan noted that there were concerns about absorbing various ombudsman
functions into the institution of the Defender of Rights. Concerns were also raised about
discriminatory political speech and increased racism preventing the integration of
immigrants; the treatment of Roma; and police brutality. Uzbekistan made
recommendations.
76.
Viet Nam noted the accession by France to a number of international treaties, and
the establishment of the Defender of Rights and the Ministry of Women’s Rights. It
encouraged France to launch a comprehensive plan to combat discrimination against all
vulnerable groups who were experiencing economic difficulties.
77.
Algeria noted discrimination against minorities, attacks on religious freedom,
violence against women and the erosion of the right to family life. It also noted that
immigrants did not enjoy, among others, the right to employment, and suggested addressing
discriminatory rhetoric from the police. Algeria made recommendations.
78.
Angola noted the ratification by France of various international conventions and the
establishment of the Defender of Rights and the Ministry of Women’s Rights. It
commented on the introduction of plans to address racism and anti-Semitism and issues
relating to women, peace and security, and gender equality. Angola made
recommendations.
79.
Argentina welcomed the participation of France in the campaign for universal
ratification of CPED. It commended the establishment of the Ministry of Women’s Rights
and plans to combat racism and integrate Roma. Despite the explanation of France,
Argentina viewed the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All
Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (ICRMW) as providing additional
protection. Argentina made recommendations.
80.
Armenia welcomed the recognition of regional languages and plans to tackle racism
and anti-Semitism and discrimination in schools. It noted the efforts made to eliminate
impunity for crimes against humanity and welcomed legislation combating the denial of the
crime of genocide. Armenia made a recommendation.
10
GE.13-12484
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