A/HRC/10/83 Page 9 (c) take immediate measures to ensure the absolute prohibition of torture in line with international legal obligations; (d) seriously considers extending an invitation to the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture; and (e) consider acceding to the OP-CAT in the near future. 42. China referred to the legislation to guarantee equal rights between women and men and to prohibit all forms of discrimination and endeavours to handle ethnic and religious relations. China appreciated that since independence there has been no ethnic or religious conflict in Uzbekistan. China asked about Uzbekistan’s priorities for human rights education and programs on human rights education established for government officials in the judiciary, particularly law enforcement officials. Noting the Government’s designation of 2009 as the year for human rights knowledge, China asked about envisaged measures. China suggested widely disseminating programs of human rights and public documents in an easily understandable form. 43. Austria noted concerns expressed by the General Assembly and the Secretary-General and the special procedures and treaty bodies regarding restrictions on freedom of expression and activities of civil society. It noted concerns about the prosecution, penalization and imprisonment of human rights defenders. Austria expressed interest in additional measures to be implemented in accordance with Uzbekistan’s obligations under international human rights law to safeguard a free, independent and pluralist media and functioning human rights organizations. Austria recommended that (a) any restrictions on the activities of civil society be lifted and safeguards implemented to prevent human rights defenders from being prosecuted for their peaceful activities. Austria recommended that (b) all necessary efforts be made to ensure prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations into allegations of torture or other forms of ill-treatment as required by international human rights law. Austria recommended that (c) adequate reparation be provided to victims of torture in accordance with international human rights obligations. 44. Underlining the important role of human rights defenders, Belgium asked about the composition and the mandate of the national association for non-governmental and non-profit organizations. It recommended that Uzbekistan reinforce the protection of human rights defenders and free those who are still detained in their capacity as human rights defenders. 45. Germany noted CAT’s indication that the current definition of torture restricts the prohibited practice of torture to the actions of law enforcement officials and does not cover acts by ‘other persons acting in an official capacity’. Germany recommended that the Government take steps to address the issue and broaden the definition of torture in a way to encompass all cases of torture by all persons acting in an official capacity. Germany recommended that the Government of Uzbekistan immediately cease all public support for the employment of children in cotton harvesting and that the Government publicly condemn and effectively combat all forms of child labour. 46. Japan expressed concerns at reported continued torture and inhuman treatment by law enforcement and investigation officials, despite Uzbekistan’s efforts to educate such officials about the Convention against Torture. Japan noted that treaty bodies referred to abuses and deaths in custody, particularly degrading treatment or punishment before formal charges are made and that the Special Rapporteur on torture has yet to receive comprehensive evidence that Uzbekistan is combating impunity for torture. Japan recommended that Uzbekistan accept the request of the Special Rapporteur on torture to visit the country. Japan enquired about current and planned specific measures to bring about improvements to combat child labour and more