A/HRC/32/15 regarding trafficking in persons. It acknowledged and congratulated Latvia for its efforts to facilitate naturalization processes and gender equality. 33. Montenegro commended progress in women rights, especially women’s involvement in decision-making and the e-governance platform that facilitated public initiatives for legislation. It asked about the results achieved in implementing the Guidelines on National Identity, Civil Society and Integration Policy in relation to national minorities. 34. Morocco appreciated the importance Latvia attached to the fight against racial discrimination and hate crimes, including through the criminalization of incitement to hatred and the modification of the Criminal Law making “racist” motivation an aggravating circumstance and other measures. 35. Namibia was pleased to note the progress made with regard to gender. It noted the programmes and policies that were under way to enhance societal integration and commended Latvia on its accession to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 36. The Philippines acknowledged the progress made by Latvia, including in promoting gender equality; protecting women against violence; promoting education and societal integration; and combating hate crimes. It encouraged Latvia to address the reported continuing cases of trafficking in persons. 37. Nicaragua welcomed the measures taken as follow-up to previous recommendations on the elimination of all forms of discrimination, as well as measures in favour of the empowerment of women. 38. Norway welcomed the significant progress made by Latvia since the first review, including the expansion of the rights’ of victims of trafficking and congratulated Latvia for the accreditation of the Office of the Ombudsman with “A” status. 39. Pakistan was encouraged by such measures as the new laws to protect women against violence. It noted with concern that victims of trafficking were still treated as irregular migrants and the increased negative political discourse in relation to migrants, especially Muslims. 40. Paraguay welcomed the abolition of the death penalty in law and the amendments to the Law on Execution of Sentences. It encouraged Latvia to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. 41. The Netherlands appreciated the positive role played by Latvia in the field of human rights and commended its track record in relation to press freedom. It encouraged Latvia to continue its efforts in areas such as the judicial system and non-discrimination. 42. Poland welcomed the efforts of Latvia to comply with the recommendations from the first review. It thanked Latvia for ensuring a good environment for the Polish minority, including the educational and cultural opportunities and possibility of freedom of association. 43. Portugal welcomed the positive steps Latvia had taken since the first review, such as the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 44. The Republic of Korea welcomed the adoption of amendments to the Citizenship Law and to the Law on Execution of Sentences, as well as the Gender Equality Action Plan (2012-2014) and the National Strategy for the Prevention of Human Trafficking (20142020). 7