A/HRC/8/19 Page 9 view of the problem, recognizing that it’s a global problem. It listed certain measures taken to combat trafficking, such as participation in a conference on trafficking, accession to the Convention on Transnational Organized Crime, the establishment of a 2002 inter-ministerial task force to address trafficking, which has been a source of many initiatives, the close cooperation with civil society in holding training and capacity-building programmes, the opening of a shelter to protect women who might be exposed to violence, provide health care, assistance and legal counselling. There is also a unit within the Ministry of Interior in charge of investigating cases of forced trafficking. Bahrain indicated that it is an observer at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and has worked closely in holding training and capacity-building programmes. Bahrain also noted the passing, last month, of a law banning human trafficking, including prosecution and providing resources, which contains a comprehensive definition of trafficking. Bahrain indicated that this law was hailed by IOM as a model for the region. 38. France raised the following issues which it indicated should lead to recommendations: (a) which measures were taken to strengthen the independence of the judiciary; (b) it requested more information on reforms with respect to forced marriage, particularly on providing assistance to victims of forced marriage; and (c) if Bahrain intended to sign the Convention on Enforced Disappearances. 39. The Russian Federation drew attention to Bahrain’s request in its national report that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) undertake a programme for staff training of penitentiary bodies and asked the delegation of Bahrain for more information on this project. The Russian Federation also noted the draft law on the provision of citizenship to children where the father is not a Bahraini citizen, and indicated that it should be a priority when examined and should come into force as soon as possible. 40. The Netherlands was impressed by serious commitments taken by Bahrain regarding human rights defenders and the position of migrant workers, including women domestic workers. It invited and recommended Bahrain to keep the Human Rights Council informed of new legislation on this latter issue. The Netherlands firmly supported Bahrain’s intention to move to a standing invitation to all special procedures, and asked whether the Minister could indicate which Special Procedures would be the first to enjoy such an invitation. In this regard, the Netherlands recommended that Bahrain extend such an invitation to all special procedures as soon as possible. 41. Egypt noted difficulties faced by countries to ensure that legislation complies with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and requested information on this issue. 42. The representative of Sweden asked the following specific questions, indicating that they could be adopted as recommendations as well: (a) what measures are taken to ensure that the draft press law, which prohibits certain expressions of opinion and allows prison sentences to be extended in certain cases, is not unduly restrictive on freedom of expression; and (b) what measures are taken to ensure equality before the courts, including with respect to family law? 43. Sudan referred to Bahrain’s human rights achievements, including medical care which has increased life expectancy; provision of clean water to all; the guarantee of first aid services; the issuing of Law No.1/2008 on the prohibition of trafficking; and providing decent housing to all. Sudan asked about efforts undertaken to implement CRC and its protocols to achieve human development.