A/HRC/21/8 during its first review. Finland also presented two new voluntary commitments: firstly, the commitment to the development-assistance objective was renewed and human rights were put at the centre of its development policy. Secondly, the newly established network for fundamental and human rights, with representatives from all the ministries would serve to undertake more effective monitoring of the implementation of Finland’s human rights obligations and commitments. 8. The delegation continued its introductory statement by responding to advance written questions. On non-discrimination, the delegation highlighted that the equality legislation has been under reform to strengthen it in respect to the various grounds of discrimination, such as sexual orientation and disability. The renewed legislation should enter into force before the next Parliamentary elections in 2015. A new Disability Policy Programme for the years 2010–2015 contains 122 concrete measures. Furthermore, the Government was finalizing a cross-sectoral action plan for gender equality. 9. The National Policy on the Roma, adopted in 2010, is a human rights-based policy and contains six key policy areas, 10 guidelines and 147 concrete proposals. The National Policy is implemented by a steering and monitoring group which coordinates and monitors the policy implementation, provides expert support for the implementation, develops indicators, collects data and draws up the first progress report in 2013. Half of the members of the group have a Roma background. According to the Government’s new survey, the standard of housing for the Roma is almost the same as that for the main population. Roma people are, however, more frequently dependent on rented flats offered by municipalities. 10. In respect to domestic violence, the delegation stated that the Action Plan to reduce violence against women for the period of 2010-2015 promoted the prevention of violence, victim protection and support, as well as bringing offenders to justice. The delegation stated that unfortunately the number of fatal attacks involving families had increased sharply in the past year. A panel has been set up to study inter alia how such incidents could be averted in the future. 11. Regarding the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the delegation highlighted the fact that Finland’s family policy fosters a safe living environment for children while also supporting parenthood. The Government implements the Programme for Children and Youth Policy 2012-2015. The Office of the Ombudsman for Children monitors the rights and well-being of children. 12. The Government planned to adopt a resolution on dismantling institutional care for persons with intellectual disabilities till 2020. A national goal was set to reduce the number of persons with intellectual disabilities living in institutions. A service and transfer plan was drawn up for all persons with disabilities who move away from residential care or their childhood home. Persons with intellectual disabilities will live in ordinary apartments either on their own or in small groups. To ensure that there is enough affordable housing for the intellectually disabled moving from institutional care, the Government is financing the construction of housing for disabled persons and offering them individual services and support. 13. The Government has been stepping up its work to combat racism, intolerance and xenophobia. The new amendment to the Criminal Code provided additional power to address racism and hate speech. Public display or dissemination of opinions or other messages that threaten, slander or insult any group is punishable. The police have stepped up Internet monitoring and have also been working in the social media, with virtual local police officers serving under their own names online and thereby facilitating contact by the public with the police. 14. Exemption from military service on grounds of conscience is provided for in legislation. Application for non-military service can be submitted before the military 4