A/HRC/32/15 81. In relation to integration and naturalization, Latvia provided more information about its efforts to reduce the number of non-citizens. 82. Returning to the fight against hate speech and discrimination, Latvia elaborated upon the amendments to its legislation and the measures related to the investigation of cases. In order to prevent hate speech in public discourse, Latvia reiterated its strong commitment to freedom of speech and provided further information on related developments. 83. In relation to the Roma, Latvia stated that since 2013 there had been no segregated classes for Roma children and the State also funded assistance to help them improve their performance in school. 84. Latvia stated that it had carefully noted the recommendations to ratify additional international human rights instruments and would give them its most serious consideration. It recalled that every person had the right to submit an individual application before the European Court of Human Rights, the rulings of which were legally binding, and emphasized that, according to analysis by the experts of the Council of Europe, there were no judgments of the Court pending the review of implementation that revealed a systematic problem in Latvia or an issue that requiring urgent action. In relation to reporting mechanisms, it acknowledged some delays in submitting national reports, partly due to the economic crisis. Latvia had been working systematically to clear the backlog. 85. Latvia reiterated that all types of domestic violence were already covered by the Criminal Law. In relation to combating hate crime Latvia stated that it was planning to introduce a special term of “vulnerable victim”; persons who have suffered from hate crime would automatically be recognized as “vulnerable victims” and receive specific State help and support. 86. Latvia provided further information with respect to training of the judiciary in human rights and detailed how human rights could only be restricted in limited circumstances under Latvian law. 87. Latvia reaffirmed that it was making ongoing efforts to improve prison conditions and elaborated upon its audit of all prison facilities. The results included the closure of one prison and sections of others and the approval of a comprehensive programme of improvement and renovation, which would continue in 2016. A new prison would also be built in 2019. Latvia stated that it did not suffer from the problem of overcrowding in prisons. Since 2012, prisoners had enjoyed the same health care provision as society in general. 88. Regarding ill-treatment of inmates, Latvia stated that there was a special internal procedure to investigate every accusation of possible ill-treatment. The Investigative Unit had been removed from the prisons and has been subordinated to the Chief for Prison Administration, to ensure neutrality and objective investigation of such cases. All allegations were investigated carefully. 89. Latvia stressed that it had begun the process of drafting a new law on the execution of punishments, which would be in full compliance with all the international and European standards that related to deprivation of the liberty. 90. Latvia reassured the meeting that all refusals of naturalization could be challenged in court. 91. Chile appreciated the efforts made by Latvia to promote and protected human rights by strengthening its civil and criminal legislation, as well as adopting national programmes in matters as asylum, fight against discrimination, gender equality, people trafficking, identity and integration. 11

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