A/HRC/17/10 women, children and the disabled. China asked for further information on the implementation of the Human Rights Framework. It asked about the specific measures adopted to protect indigenous peoples, foreign immigrants and ethnic minorities from discrimination and against systematic racism in the media and internet. 17. Malaysia expressed appreciation for the challenges faced by Australia in areas such as access to education, health and other services for the indigenous community, together with issues of racism and discrimination against migrant communities, and challenges in the area of administration of justice and rule of law. It noted the commitment of Australia to address these issues. Malaysia made recommendations. 18. Sweden noted that the Constitution did not provide the safeguards against discrimination required under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), and some current laws appeared to discriminate against persons belonging to indigenous communities on the basis of race and asked a related question. It noted the policy changes regarding immigration detention, and was concerned about the ongoing policies of excising islands to enable offshore processing of asylumseekers Sweden made recommendations. 19. Japan noted that indigenous peoples were disadvantaged in the area of employment, housing, education and health care and praised the Government for the various measures taken to overcome this situation, particularly the “Closing the Gap” campaign. It expressed concerns regarding racially motivated violence and discrimination against certain ethnic groups. It hoped that there would be broader understanding from the general public regarding the rights of refugees and asylum-seekers. Japan made recommendations. 20. Canada congratulated Australia on its new Human Rights Framework. Australia’s apology to the Stolen Generation of Aboriginal Children was an important step towards healing and reconciliation. Canada noted the extensive public consultations conducted by the National Human Rights Consultation Committee and asked how Australia was planning to follow-up on the recommendations of this Committee. Canada made recommendations. 21. Thailand noted Australia’s strong commitment to its human rights obligations. It appreciated Australia’s leading role in the region to combat trafficking and smuggling and to address the growing challenge of irregular migration. It believed Australia had succeeded in forging its multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society, but challenges remained. Thailand made recommendations. 22. Indonesia commended Australia’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights. It believed that the Bali Process, initiated with Australia in 2002 and aimed at combating smuggling and trafficking in persons, could be strengthened through further efforts in involving different countries. Indonesia praised the establishment of the National Congress of Australian’s First Peoples which reflected the commitment of the Government towards indigenous communities. Indonesia made recommendations. 23. Lao People’s Democratic Republic noted with appreciation the achievement and progress in the fields of economic-social development, promotion and protection of human rights, and the fulfilment of obligations arising from the core human rights instruments to which Australia had acceded. It expressed support for the efforts by Australia to guarantee the rights and improve the living conditions of its people. Laos made recommendations. 24. Cambodia commended Australia’s efforts to be a fairer and more inclusive country, with respect of human rights as core principles of living in harmony. It complimented the National Plan of Action on Human Rights to outline future action for the promotion of social harmony. It appreciated Australia’s acknowledgement of the important role of cultural heritage in the National Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Cambodia made recommendations. 5