A/HRC/32/15 69. Uzbekistan noted with satisfaction such measures as the simplification of naturalization procedures. It noted concerns expressed by the special procedures in areas such as racist discourse, discrimination against Roma and other minorities and the excess use of force by law enforcement officers. 70. Afghanistan noted with appreciation the involvement of non-governmental organizations in interministerial working groups in the drafting of the national report, as well as the incorporation of human rights in educational programmes of the public administration. 71. Algeria appreciated measures taken by Latvia in such areas as social integration. It encouraged Latvia to continue its efforts to eliminate discriminatory practices against women and gender disparities in employment, and to establish guarantees against the arbitrary detention of asylum seekers. 72. Argentina commended Latvia for its ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It considered that Latvia still had to overcome challenges in the fight against discrimination and violence against the lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex community. 73. Armenia welcomed the efforts of Latvia to promote effective cooperation between States and the special procedures. It appreciated the efforts of Latvia, including in the prevention of crimes against humanity, criminalizing the denial of genocide and simplifying procedures for acquiring citizenship. 74. Australia commended Latvia for its commitment to the abolition of the death penalty and for its efforts in facilitating the naturalisation of non-citizens. However, the number of non-citizens remained large. It noted reports of discrimination against Roma. 75. Bahrain continued to be concerned about reports of the conditions of refugees and asylum seekers, including the reports of the Human Rights Committee about the detention upon arrival of asylum seekers, including children, without legal basis. 76. Belarus appreciated the efforts of Latvia to combat human trafficking and noted that the naturalization process had been simplified although the number of non-citizens remained large. It expressed concern at inadequate responses towards an increase of violence against minorities and racist speech. 77. Brazil noted with appreciation the accession of Latvia to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as amendments made to the Citizenship Law to facilitate the naturalization procedure for children of noncitizens born in Latvia. 78. Bulgaria commended the progress made in gender equality, combating discrimination and protecting persons with disabilities. It appreciated the establishment of a Division of the Rights of Children in the Office of Ombudsman and measures taken to combat domestic violence. 79. Canada commended the simplification of procedures for acquiring Latvian citizenship. It acknowledged the ratification by Latvia of Protocol No. 13 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, concerning the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances. 80. Latvia resumed its responses to the questions it had received and, returning to the issue of integration, it elaborated further on the provision of free Latvian language classes. In relation to the protection of the rights of minorities and minority languages and culture in particular, Latvia also gave details on the provision of education in minority languages. It noted that in 2015 a draft new law was approved by the Government to strengthen the protection of the intangible cultural heritage of national minorities. 10

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