A/HRC/18/3 expanded scope of action includes genital mutilation, “honour crimes” and forced marriages. 69. Special instruction on the subject of female genital mutilation was provided to health and early-childhood workers. 70. Participation by both men and women in all branches of the executive, at the federal, regional and local levels, was provided for in the Belgian Constitution. The percentage of women in elected office had risen after the regional elections of 2009 and the federal elections of 2010. 71. Belgium was grateful that Norway and Spain had brought up the issue of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Belgium was very active in promoting their rights at both the national and international levels. 72. The national poverty rate stood at 15 per cent, and a statistical tool, the annual “poverty barometer”, had been introduced. Belgium was working to combat poverty and aimed to reduce the number of persons at risk of poverty by 380,000 by 2020. 73. The Belgian Constitution and several other Belgian laws guaranteed equal treatment for persons with disabilities and protected them against discrimination. Complaints were handled by the Centre for Equal Opportunities and Opposition to Racism. Belgium had ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol to the Convention and would be presenting its initial report that summer. 74. Despite improvements on the legislative front and the preventive action that had been taken, discrimination persisted, especially against the Roma. A national strategy for the inclusion of the Roma was needed to address the problem. 75. Palestine noted that Belgium had given attention to the respect of asylum-seekers’ and aliens’ rights, in addition to their integration in the society. Since 1981, Belgium formulated a legal framework to combat racism and xenophobia as well as the law that repressed racially motivated acts. Palestine called upon Belgium to continue and intensify its efforts to protect human rights. Palestine made recommendations. 76. Morocco welcomed the measures adopted for the protection of migrants and inquired about efforts made to promote their integration. It also inquired as to the composition and mandate of the Centre for Equal Opportunity and Action to Combat Racism. Morocco welcomed the legal apparatus to promote the freedom of religion and noted with satisfaction efforts made on human rights education. Morocco asked for more information regarding the 2009 Diversity Charter signed by the police. Morocco made a recommendation. 77. Chile expressed appreciation for the active participation of civil society in the elaboration of the national report. It also highlighted that human rights education, tolerance, gender equality, and the respect for diversity were an integral part of the educational system’s programmes. Chile made recommendations. 78. Nigeria acknowledged Belgium’s recognition of the importance of respecting the rights of migrants. Nigeria also noted the steps taken by Belgium to combat unemployment and increase labour force participation. Nigeria was, however, concerned at the marginal role retained by the Aliens Office for deciding on asylum applications and noted that the Council for Alien Disputes did not have investigative powers. Nigeria made recommendations. 79. Ecuador expressed appreciation for the importance given by Belgium to the UPR process, its constructive participation in the process and the broad consultations undertaken within the country, which demonstrate the importance of human rights in the country’s public agenda. Ecuador made recommendations. 10 GE.11-14583