A/HRC/17/11 is ensured. It commended Georgia on its initiative to increase the independence of the media and to ensure transparency of its ownership. It expressed concern regarding the independence of the judiciary, in spite of reforms. 39. France expressed concern at allegations of lack of independence of the judiciary and the prosecution of political opponents. It asked what measures had been adopted to implement recommendations made by the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe on the issue of disappeared persons during the conflict of 2008. France made recommendations. 40. Bulgaria welcomed the adoption of the Gender Equality Law in 2010, but shared the concerns expressed by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on the lack of a comprehensive approach to achieve gender equality. It also shared concerns of the Committee on the Rights of the Child about child labour. Bulgaria made recommendations. 41. Switzerland noted the issues of constitutional reform, impunity for allegations of excessive use of force by law enforcement officials, the weaknesses of the judiciary and the penitentiary system and the manner in which evictions are carried out. Switzerland made recommendations. 42. The Republic of Moldova commended Georgia for the creation of its national human rights institution, which received “A” status in accordance with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (Paris Principles). The Republic of Moldova made recommendations. 43. Japan asked whether Georgia was considering accession to international human rights instruments to which it was not a party. Japan noted concerns on the use of force by law enforcement officials and prison staff, torture, lack of judicial independence, corruption and reports of violations of women’s rights. Japan made a recommendation. 44. Belgium asked what measures were being considered in order to guarantee the social and economic rights of persons displaced since the 1990s and after the conflict of 2008. It noted the commitment of Georgia to respecting freedom of the press but remained concerned by the limited diversity of television stations. Belgium made a recommendation. 45. Cyprus welcomed the recent ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. It noted reports of intimidation and detention of the opposition. It asked for information on legislative measures adopted to implement recommendations by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on the protection of minorities. Cyprus made recommendations. 46. Turkey expressed appreciation at the approach adopted by Parliament on the issue of the repatriation of Meskhetian Turks. It advised Georgia to seek the assistance from international institutions and friendly States, while establishing an adequate environment for the orientation of the returnees. Turkey remains ready to cooperate with Georgia in this respect. Turkey made recommendations. 47. Jordan appreciated efforts made to enhance human rights, including its cooperation with human rights mechanisms and noted challenges faced. It also noted that several human rights mechanisms have expressed concern regarding the rights of minorities, women and children and expressed the hope that these would be effectively addressed. Jordan made recommendations. 48. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland asked if the authorities plan to investigate allegations of police mistreatment of war veterans protesting in Heroes Square. It indicated that work is needed to ensure respect for the rights of minorities and freedom of religion. While recognizing that Georgia does not have control in the regions of 7