A/HRC/39/11 abroad. It had also set up a multi-stakeholder advisory body that reported to the Government on responsible business conduct. The Ombudsperson would be empowered to investigate complaints relating to allegations of human rights abuses arising from Canadian companies’ activities abroad, including through independent fact-finding missions. 86. Canada was committed to orderly migration, which included providing protection to genuine refugees, based on a well-founded fear of persecution. Several steps had been taken to protect vulnerable, refugee and asylum-seeking women and girls. 87. The delegation provided additional details on action taken to promote the rights of indigenous peoples, on gender equality and on gender-based violence. 88. The delegation noted that Canada was committed to ending trafficking in persons at home and abroad by focusing on preventing human trafficking, protecting victims, prosecuting offenders and developing partnerships domestically and internationally. In Canada, trafficking in persons was specifically prohibited by six offences under the Criminal Code. 89. The Republic of Moldova welcomed the advances in gender equality and the initiative to develop the first Canadian youth policy. 90. Romania welcomed the commitment of Canada to gender equality and various initiatives on youth. 91. The Russian Federation noted with concern an increase in violence against women, particularly indigenous women. 92. Rwanda encouraged Canada to adopt more proactive measures to combat racial discrimination, including by addressing cases of racial profiling. 93. Senegal welcomed action to protect the rights of indigenous peoples and to combat persistent gender inequality and discrimination. 94. Serbia stated that Canada played an important role in the creation of human rights standards within the United Nations system. 95. Slovakia welcomed the commitment of Canada to working towards ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to adopting legislation on accessibility. 96. Slovenia welcomed the announcement of the creation of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise. 97. South Africa welcomed progress on ensuring equality for women and their full participation in economic and social life. 98. Spain recognized the progress made on inclusive education for persons with disabilities. 99. Sri Lanka acknowledged the important steps taken in initiating the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. 100. The Sudan welcomed the delegation and took note of the national report. 101. Sweden acknowledged the continued work of Canada to fulfil its human rights obligations and encouraged it to make further efforts. 102. Switzerland commended Canada for its efforts to ensure respect for human rights by Canadian corporations, including those operating abroad. 103. The Syrian Arab Republic noted concerns relating to persons living in poverty, particularly those from vulnerable and marginalized groups. 104. Thailand welcomed the efforts of Canada to promote corporate responsibility to respect human rights, in line with the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Implementing the United Nations “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework. 105. Togo commended Canada for the priority given to promoting gender equality and action on climate change. 7