A/HRC/34/7 108. A multisectoral working group within the justice system dealing with sexual offences had been appointed in 2016 to research the root causes of sexual violence and improve related procedures. The group had recently put forward draft proposals for reforms in six areas: investigations, prosecutions, the courts, victims, suspects and perpetrators, and preventive and awareness-raising measures. Some of the proposals could be put into practice immediately, others during the next four years. 109. The delegation stated that the draft proposals emphasized citizens’ security under the law, the thorough, efficient and just handling of cases, the building of confidence in the justice system, shorter processing times and clearer responsibilities and procedures within the justice system and among its component parts. It stressed the need for preventive and educational and awareness-raising programmes on a formal and permanent basis, as well as psychological assistance for perpetrators. 110. In March 2011, Iceland had been one of the first States to sign the Istanbul Convention. The Ministry of the Interior, in cooperation with other relevant ministries and NGOs, was currently working on the following outstanding issues: education, participation of the private sector, the media and telephone helplines. The work was expected to be completed by the end of 2017. The Convention would then be ready for ratification. 111. Iceland referred to measures to address violence and sexual abuse against children, including through amendments to the Penal Code, awareness-raising (including among children) and the training of professionals. Three ministries were currently cooperating on an action plan on violence against children. An action plan on child protection in general was currently being prepared by the Ministry of Welfare. 112. Human rights and equality education had been introduced in the school curriculum and provided to all stakeholders. Within the framework of that curriculum, some municipalities had organized plans for education on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons in schools. The problem of children dropping out of school early had become more acute because of the financial crisis. Iceland had been working on reforms in that regard based on a white paper from 2014 and was continuously strengthening upper secondary education. It had also been investing in and improving pre-primary and compulsory education. 113. It was expected that the Sustainable Development Goals would be set out in the national action plan and thoroughly integrated into the draft policy of Iceland on international development cooperation 2017-2021. 114. In conclusion, the representative of Iceland, Ms. Hjaltadóttir, thanked all members and observers of the Human Rights Council for their constructive criticism and encouragement and for the valuable advice given, questions asked and recommendations received during the review. The Icelandic authorities would take the recommendations seriously and do their utmost to implement them wherever appropriate. There was always room for improvement and the dialogue was a welcome way of improving the human rights situation. II. Conclusions and/or recommendations 115. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue/listed below have been examined by Iceland and enjoy the support of Iceland: ** The conclusions and recommendations have not been edited. 14