A/HRC/13/56 there were 8,000 to 16,000 rape victims. It was concerned about the lack of comprehensive statistics on rape and the lack of prioritization by the Government of gender-based violence perpetrated by present or former partners. It recommended that Norway should facilitate women’s access to the justice system and emergency centres in police stations, and should train law enforcement officials dealing with gender-based violence considering the impact of weakening the economic welfare or societies. 415. In its joint statement, the Organization for Defending Victims of Violence and the Iranian Elite Research Centre referred to official statistics on domestic violence against women in Norway, and asked the Government to maintain a strong focus on the issue, including systematic measures to protect victims as well as to prevent rape and domestic violence through effective policies and targeted prevention campaigns, education and awareness-raising efforts, among others. The Organization was concerned at the methods used by the Government to deal with minority issues, especially in relation to Muslims, and requested the Government to take all necessary measures to eliminate discrimination faced by persons belonging to racial, religious or ethnic minorities, as well as persons with an immigrant background, in particular in the context of counter-terrorism measures. 416. The Institute for Women’s Studies and Research recalled Council resolution 10/22 on combating defamation of religion, and expressed deep concern at the increasing spread of Islamophobia in Norway, and that the media, by linking terrorism to Muslims and drawing shocking images of Muslims, was endangering peace and stability. It stated that Norway had a fundamental role to play in preventing the spread of Islamophobia. 417. The European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Association commended Norway’s engagement in the Durban review process, its leadership in issues of sexual orientation and gender identity and its efforts to enhance the Council’s capacity to fulfil its mandate. The organization asked Norway if it would be willing to accept recommendations to provide appropriate health-care services for transgender people and to ensure that they had access to official documentation in accordance with their self-defined gender identity. It also asked if the Government would be willing to endorse the Yogyakarto Principles on the Application of International Human Rights Law in relation to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Finally, it noted with regret that the Government was not yet ready to ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and enquired about the deliberations planned and whether Norway would be reporting back to the Council on its conclusions in this regard. 418. The International Save the Children Alliance noted with interest the scope of recommendations enjoying the support of Norway. Concerning trafficking, it urged the Government of Norway to act on the recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, to set focus on child victims of trafficking and identify and competently treat child victims of trafficking. Concerning asylum-seeking children, it recalled the recent recommendations of the Committee calling on the Government to give primary consideration to the best interest of the child whenever decisions about the child’s future were under consideration. It expected further action on juvenile justice to guarantee that justice standards were fully implemented, and that deprivation of liberty was used as a last resort. It commended the continued focus of the Government on combating violence against children, and requested that special attention be paid to adequate legal provisions and regulations, to ensure that child victims and/or witness of crime were protected against both physical and psychological violence. This called for a stronger holistic approach and amendments to the penal code. 419. Amnesty International welcomed Norway’s support for recommendations to prevent gender-based violence and to strengthen efforts to combat domestic violence and violence against women. Amnesty International also welcomed its support for recommendations to ensure conformity of pretrial detention with international standards and access to 141