A/HRC/23/3 29. Namibia commended the ratification by France of international human rights instruments, its strengthening of anti-racism policies and its condemnation of the slave trade and slavery as crimes against humanity. However, it was concerned at the situation of ethnic minorities, including Roma. Namibia made recommendations. 30. Nepal commended such measures as the introduction of the Defender of Rights into the Constitution, the adoption of a national plan of action on protecting women from violence and the establishment of the Ministry of Women’s Rights, as well as the promotion of diversity in the civil service. Nepal made recommendations. 31. The Netherlands regarded France as an example for the international community and asked what effective measures had been taken to implement the recommendation on improving conditions in the prison system made during the first examination of France under the UPR. The Netherlands made recommendations. 32. New Zealand commended the establishment of a Minister of Women’s Rights, and asked about concrete steps to coordinate action in combating violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. It expressed concern about the impact of the law banning facial coverings in public spaces. It made recommendations. 33. Norway noted an apparent increase in discrimination and violence against French Muslims and French citizens of North African descent and the lack of adequate statistics on those groups. It was concerned by the use of tasers and the practice of body searches in prisons. Norway made recommendations. 34. Oman commended the commitment of the Government of France to promoting and protecting human rights. It noted that France had taken a number of measures to give effect to its international obligations, locally and internationally, and to participate in international efforts to promote and protect human rights. Oman made recommendations. 35. Pakistan expressed concern at the inadequate legal protection against ethnic profiling by the police and the influence of race and religion on employment opportunities. Increased public hate speech was compounded by legislation on the hijab or niqab, which discriminated against Muslim women. Pakistan made recommendations. 36. The State of Palestine welcomed the efforts made to protect and promote women’s rights and rights concerning education and immigration. It noted the signing of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (OPICESCR) and commended the national plan of action implementing Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). It made a recommendation. 37. Paraguay noted the signing of OP-ICESCR and the ratification of CPED, CRPD and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT). It recognized, inter alia, the establishment of the Ministry of Women’s Rights and the national plan against racism and anti-Semitism. Paraguay considered that the new immigration policy was grounded on clear, fair and stable rules. Paraguay made recommendations. 38. Morocco recalled the historical engagement of France with the promotion and protection of human rights. Morocco acknowledged the new immigration measures and stressed the delicate situation of unaccompanied migrant children. It requested information on the measures taken to combat racist discourse and hate speech. Morocco made a recommendation. 39. The Philippines noted the great importance France attached to human rights, as indicated by its ratification of OP-CAT, CRPD and CPED. It welcomed the deep concern of France for the protection of migrant workers. The Philippines made recommendations. 6 GE.13-12484