A/HRC/31/12 72. The delegation also stated that the 2015 reform of the Criminal Code provided stronger measures to prevent violence against women, including sexual violence, and protect women. In response to questions on gender equality, the delegation stated that legal measures were necessary but not sufficient and that additional measures and time were required to raise public awareness and change attitudes. The Government had taken steps to advance gender equality in the labour market. Equality between men and women was guaranteed in the legislation and progress had been achieved in the public sector. However, more progress was required to achieve goals on equal treatment between men and women in all sectors. 73. The delegation reported that the Government held regular discussions with minorities. With the Slovenian minority, it had achieved solid consensus on all issues, including on the use of minority languages and bilingual topographical signs. The Government was committed to continue promoting the cultural identity of minorities. The Austrian legal order provided the necessary guarantees for the full enjoyment of the rights of persons belonging to minorities. 74. The delegation stated that the Government had been taking specific measures to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities were ensured in practice. There had been plans to ensure that persons with disabilities could access all public buildings by 2019. 75. Regarding the situation of refugees, the delegation stated that Austria had not closed its borders, had taken special care of unaccompanied minors and provided some asylum seekers with employment opportunities at the municipal level. The delegation also recalled measures taken to improve juvenile justice, the penitentiary system and data protection and privacy, as well as to ensure human rights education in schools. 76. The delegation highlighted the involvement of civil society in the process of preparing the national report. In addition, the representatives of civil society contributed to another report for the universal periodic review that was put together by OHCHR. 77. Discussions and steps had been initiated to assess the possible ratification of the Convention against Discrimination in Education. The Government had been working to address the remaining issues that same-sex partners faced, including the adoption of children. The Ministries of Justice and of the Interior had been working closely to ensure that any violence or ill-treatment by law enforcement bodies was appropriately investigated and that perpetrators were punished. 78. Ecuador congratulated Austria for ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. It encouraged Austria to continue its efforts on excessive use of force, persons deprived of their liberty, discrimination and trafficking. 79. Egypt expressed concern about racism and xenophobia, particularly against migrants, Muslims, Roma and persons of African descent, and about the increasing use of hate speech in the context of politics and elections. 80. Estonia commended Austria for ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, withdrawing reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, successfully implementing a gender equality policy and increasing women’s participation in the federal civil service and as judges and prosecutors. 81. Finland encouraged Austria to continue its discussion on how to incorporate social rights into the Constitution and how to continue improving anti-discrimination institutions, including their efficiency and accessibility. 9