A/HRC/31/12 96. Italy noted the strengthening of the legislative provisions to combat discrimination and a project to harmonize statistics on criminal acts motivated by racism, discrimination and xenophobia. 97. Japan noted efforts to improve gender equality in employment and expected further efforts to decrease the gender-pay gap. It noted insufficient support for minorities. 98. Libya made a statement and recommendations. 99. Malaysia noted the measures taken concerning the rights of children, gender equality, older persons and persons with disabilities. It noted the remaining challenges in human rights, including negative attitudes and prejudice against minorities. 100. Mexico acknowledged efforts by Austria to address the increase in the arrival and transit of refugees and migrants through its territory. It appreciated the Government’s respect for diversity and encouragement for social cohesion. 101. Montenegro noted the concern expressed by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities about lack of advocacy and support for women with disabilities and asking for the elaboration of measures to mainstream a gender perspective into disability-related legislation and policies. 102. Morocco welcomed efforts to improve support for the press, to promote quality journalism. It also congratulated Austria on the role of the Ombudsman as a national preventive mechanism. 103. Mozambique appreciated the contribution of Austria to the handling of mixedmigration flows into Europe. It praised the withdrawal of reservations to article 11 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the process initiated to withdraw reservations to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. 104. Namibia welcomed the creation of an administrative penal provision for discriminatory housing advertisements and the enactment of provisions to extend criminal culpability for discrimination. 105. The Netherlands welcomed the ruling of the Constitutional Court allowing adoption by same-sex couples, while noting that such couples were still barred from marriage. It welcomed the steps taken to establish an independent mechanism to investigate allegations of excessive use of force and ill-treatment. 106. Nicaragua commended the progress made, including modifications in the national legislation on children, and trusted that Austria would continue to work to eliminate remaining legal or institutional gaps. 107. Norway noted the important efforts in handling the challenges linked to the large influx of refugees and migrants, including measures such as providing separate detention facilities for asylum seekers awaiting deportation and granting them the right to free legal counselling. 108. Pakistan commended Austria for passing legislation aimed at strengthening the protection of human rights and for ratifying international human rights instruments. 109. Panama welcomed achievements in ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities. It congratulated efforts by Austria to guarantee that older persons can fully enjoy their rights. 110. The Philippines noted the adoption of an action plan to combat human trafficking and measures to advance the rights of persons belonging to disadvantaged and minority 11