A/HRC/WG.6/1/IND/4 page 7 25. While welcoming the fact that India is a party to a number of international human rights instruments, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland noted that India has not ratified the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment or its Optional Protocol. It recommended that India ratify both instruments at the earliest opportunity. The United Kingdom asked for additional information on (i) reports of attacks against persons from religious or other minorities, in particular in Orissa State; (ii) steps to implement treaty body recommendations on the Armed Forced Special Powers Act; (iii) anti-conversion legislation; and (iv) the communal violence crimes bill. It welcomed the involvement of civil society in the national preparatory process for the UPR session and recommended that they be fully involved in the follow-up to UPR. 26. Ghana commended India for the laudable measures taken to ensure a country-wide balance in the enjoyment of human rights of its large population, including the implementation of the National Child Labour Project, the adoption of the National Charter for Children and a National Plan of Action for the Girl Child. Ghana encouraged India to continue strengthening existing institutions working to protect human rights. Ghana welcomed India’s cooperation with Human Rights Council mechanisms and treaty bodies and recommended an enhanced cooperation with said bodies and relevant stakeholders in the pursuit of a society oriented towards the attainment of internationally recognized human rights goals. 27. Canada recognized that India is a highly diverse country facing many challenges. It raised issues concerning the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), the situation of civil society and the situation of Dalits. Canada referred to reports of torture and abuse by and impunity of police and security forces acting under the AFSPA. Canada spoke about the commitment of the Prime Minister and the studies undertaken to reform the AFSPA and asked what measures had been taken to repeal or reform this Act. Canada referred to India as a model where civil society and democracy flourishes and the press actively reports on human rights abuses. However, it mentioned allegations about the use of the Foreign Contributions Regulations Act in limiting civil society’s work on sensitive issues and referred to reports that Amnesty International had to downsize its work on account of this Act. With reference to the follow-up of the 2007 concluding observations on India adopted by CERD, Canada recommended that India begin providing disaggregated data on caste and related discrimination. 28. Brazil noted the challenges facing and achievements of India. It asked several questions regarding (i) the measures taken to promote the empowerment of women and the main policies taken to mainstream gender into national plans, (ii) the concrete measures implemented to combat extreme poverty and (iii) the evaluation of the strategy to end child labour. Additionally, Brazil proposed that India consider signing and ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women as well as ILO Conventions No. 138 concerning Minimum Age for Admission to Employment and No. 182 concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour. 29. Bhutan expressed appreciation for India’s national report and, in particular for the broad consultative process undertaken towards its formulation. It mentioned that as a neighbour, Bhutan has drawn inspiration from India’s commitment to pluralism and tolerance and benefited from its experience in the establishment of a flourishing democracy, independent judiciary, free press, and vibrant civil society. Bhutan asked that additional information be provided on the valuable lessons that could be shared from India’s experience of managing national elections.