A/HRC/13/3 in the country -- has been achieved. The Government is developing programmes with a view to resolving this issue in a satisfactory manner. 28. In relation to the rights of migrants, the Dominican Republic emphasized that it was firmly and resolutely opposed to any kind of shady arrangement or abuse at the expense of migrant workers, particularly illegal ones. The authorities are faced with the challenge of regulating migration so that migrant workers are legal, do not exceed the demand for labour, contribute positively and do not become an instrument of unfair business practice or an unsustainable burden on society. The General Directorate on Migration has laid down the terms under which illegal Haitians can be repatriated in the protocol which Haiti and the Dominican Republic signed in 1999. 29. The delegation recalled that the Dominican Republic will soon promulgate a new Constitution, marking a milestone in the history of the country. The new constitutional text is modern and rights- based, and will contribute to solving institutional problems. Moreover, it significantly expands the catalogue of fundamental rights and incorporates the institution of ombudsman. 30. Taken together, the achievements of the past few decades show that progress in overcoming the obstacles that prevent men and women of all ages, social classes, races and nationalities from living together in dignity depends directly on an active undertaking by the Government and society to protect and promote basic rights. 31. In this context, the formal commitment made by the Dominican Republic is to continue to put into effect each and every initiative designed to foster compliance with all its national and international human rights commitments. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 32. During the interactive dialogue, statements were made by 38 delegations. A number of delegations thanked the Dominican Republic for its commitment to the universal periodic review process and its comprehensive, self-critical national report, noting that the report was the result of an inclusive broad-based process with the contributions of civil society organizations. Recommendations made during the interactive dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 33. Algeria welcomed the Secretary of State for Labour and his accompanying delegation. Algeria commended the national report for uncompromisingly recognizing that inequality was a historical characteristic of the socio-economic makeup of the Dominican Republic, and that it underlined social exclusion of national and foreigners. Algeria made recommendations. 34. While noting the positive steps already taken by the Dominican Republic in combating violence against women, human trafficking and extrajudicial killings, Turkey recalled that certain areas still require more attention and action. Turkey mentioned as examples the high rate of population living below the poverty line and the number of irregular migrants in the country. Nevertheless, Turkey praised the efforts made towards the elimination of impunity, the fight against racial discrimination and xenophobia and the ongoing screening and training of all law enforcement personnel and national security forces. Turkey made recommendations. 35. Belgium referred to the immigration flow of a large number of Haitians, which Belgium recognized as a major challenge. It welcomed a number of initiatives taken by the Dominican authorities in this area, such as the zero tolerance policy concerning violations of the rights of migrants. It was, however, alarmed by the general treatment of asylumseekers and refugees and considered that the Dominican Republic had not fully followed up 6