A/HRC/34/7 79. The Russian Federation noted that, despite progress in the area of human rights, there was a growing number of cases involving violence against women and that the acquittal rate in such cases was high. It expressed concern about the low number of judicial proceedings and convictions in cases involving the sexual abuse of children. 80. Senegal welcomed the reforms undertaken to implement the accepted recommendations from the previous review and noted with satisfaction the efforts of Iceland to enforce compliance with human rights standards, particularly in the areas of equality of opportunity, non-discrimination and the protection of persons with disabilities. 81. Serbia encouraged Iceland to continue providing support to human rights-oriented NGOs and to set up a national human rights institution in conformity with the Paris Principles. Serbia endorsed the recommendations of Council of Europe experts on the broader involvement of civil society in the development and implementation of policies against trafficking and labour exploitation. 82. Sierra Leone noted with interest the establishment by Iceland of a national action plan against trafficking in persons (2013-2016) and its active civil society. It encouraged Iceland to increase access to justice for women victims of sexual and domestic violence. 83. Replying to questions, the representative of Iceland, Ms. Bjarnadóttir, explained that, in accordance with the Constitution, everyone was equal before the law and all statutes and regulations had to be construed in line with that provision. The Ministry of Welfare was preparing legislation to prohibit all labour market discrimination. A legislative proposal banning all discrimination on the basis of national origin, race and colour had also been prepared and was subject to public consultation. 84. The delegation explained that immigration had increased. In 2016, 10 per cent of the population had an immigrant background. New legislation on foreigners would come into effect in January 2017. The action plan on integration for 2016-2019 aimed to secure protection and equal opportunities for migrants. Migrants coming from the European Economic Area enjoyed the same health-care provisions as nationals; those coming from elsewhere had to purchase health-care coverage for the first six months, after which time they had full access to the national health system. 85. Iceland had redeemed its pledge and expected to accept 100 Syrian refugees by the end of 2016, through UNHCR. Asylum seekers received free legal advice and could appeal the decisions made in their cases. Iceland was in the process of opening its first formal reception centre for refugees, which would improve the asylum process and the treatment of refugees and migrants. 86. Few unaccompanied minors sought asylum in Iceland, but in recent months 12 young people between the ages of 14 and 18 had done so and been placed in foster care. Their interviews had been conducted at Barnahus, which also provided support through a range of professionals. 87. All foreign workers (9 per cent of the labour market) were entitled to equal treatment. Collective wage agreements applied to all members of a workforce irrespective of nationality, as did the equal pay standard. The chief obstacle faced by foreign workers seeking employment was the lack of knowledge of the Icelandic language. 88. An action plan was being prepared to improve the status of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. Draft legislation also included a proposal banning agebased discrimination in the labour market. 89. Iceland had only a few, very small extremist groups, none of which had electoral representation. The Penal Code provided for fines and imprisonment in serious cases of racial discrimination. Penalties for other offences could be increased if the offences 11