A/HRC/32/15 92. China noted with satisfaction the adoption of amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code and to the law on a state body to combat corruption. It noted the efforts of Latvia in combating human trafficking and domestic violence and providing protection to victims. 93. Costa Rica commended the abolition of the death penalty and the amendments to the Asylum Law. It expressed concerns about reported cuts to the budgets cut of the Office of the Ombudsman, the lack of sanctions for torture and other issues. 94. The Czech Republic made a statement and recommendations. 95. Denmark commended Latvia for being party to the core international human rights treaties that prohibited torture and other inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. It noted that Latvia had not ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. 96. Djibouti noted with satisfaction such measures as the amendments to the Asylum Law. It expressed concern that asylum seekers had been detained in centres in which the conditions had deteriorated and that the principle of refoulement had not been respected by Latvia. 97. Ecuador welcomed the efforts of Latvia since the first review. It was concerned about reports of racist and xenophobic speeches, violence and discrimination against vulnerable groups, members of minorities and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community. 98. Egypt welcomed steps taken by Latvia since the last review. It requested further information regarding efforts to address reported concerns in the areas of racism, discrimination against Roma, the rights of “non-citizens”, excessive use of force and illtreatment in police facilities, domestic violence and human trafficking. 99. Estonia commended Latvia for its progress, including in the area of promoting gender equality, in particular the high level of participation of women in political and economic decision-making, in combating trafficking in persons and in the naturalization process. 100. Finland was pleased with the progress of Latvia in relation to non-discrimination, especially awareness-raising on the rights of sexual minorities. It welcomed the efforts to achieve gender equality, the attention paid to maternal health and the steps taken to ensure the rights of the child. 101. France noted with appreciation the strengthening the legal framework to reduce domestic violence and the mandate and resources of the Office of the Ombudsman as well as the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 102. Georgia welcomed the adoption of the amendments to the Citizenship Law, Latvian achievements in women’s participation in the decision-making and steps towards improving maternal and child health. It highlighted the accreditation of the Office of the Ombudsman with “A” status. 103. Germany thanked Latvia for its strong engagement with the Council and its commitment to advancing international human rights policy. It appreciated progress since the first review, in particular in the fields of citizenship, societal integration and the penal system. 104. Honduras commended Latvia for the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the amendments to the Asylum Law relating to the processing of asylum applications. 12