A/HRC/31/12 82. Georgia welcomed the establishment of a national preventive mechanism under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, the elaboration of a national human rights action plan and the implementation of human rights education activities. 83. Germany welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. It noted shortcomings in the area of non-discrimination against women and minorities, including the Slovenian and Roma minorities. It was concerned about discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. 84. Ghana noted the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. It appreciated efforts by Austria to accommodate a large number of migrants. It expressed concern about domestic violence and urged Austria to address the situation. 85. Greece highlighted the amendment of the penal code to conform with the recommendations of the first review to prevent torture. It acknowledged the challenges posed by the unprecedented refugee crisis. 86. Guatemala noted the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and concerns expressed by the United Nations human rights bodies regarding resurgence of far-right-wing groups, and reports of discrimination against Muslims and persons of African descent. 87. The Holy See acknowledged efforts on the protection of human rights, including the expansion of the competencies of human rights institutions and the creation of a support system for unaccompanied children. 88. Honduras welcomed the implementation of the National Action Plan for Gender Equality in the Labour Market and the National Action Plan on Disability. 89. Hungary noted that Austria had ratified important conventions and withdrawn its reservations to several human rights treaties. It also noted that the Austrian Ombudsman Board was not fully independent. 90. Iceland called for independent investigations into the use of excessive force by law enforcement officials. It regretted the vote by the National Assembly against same-sex marriage in 2015. 91. India noted the comprehensive administrative reforms. It called for improvement in the investigations of alleged human rights violations by law enforcement officials and alternatives to pretrial detention for juveniles. 92. Indonesia encouraged Austria to continue efforts to protect the rights of migrants. It noted the expansion of the mandate of the Austrian Ombudsman Board and the progress in formulating the National Action Plan on Human Rights. 93. The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomed the efforts of Austria to expand the normative and institutional framework for the protection of human rights. 94. Ireland expressed concern that women continued to be disproportionately represented in poorly paid jobs and received lower remuneration than men. It noted that Austria did not recognize marriage between same-sex partners despite the adoption of the Registered Partnership Act. 95. Israel commended Austria for clarifying the mandate of the Austrian Ombudsman Board, defining hate speech and amending the Security Police Act. It welcomed the national action plans regarding persons with disability, human trafficking and violence against women. 10