A/HRC/21/8 Finland to combat racism and xenophobia and requested more information about the objectives of the first Finnish National Human Rights Action Plan. Algeria made a recommendation. 61. Argentina, referring to the issue of health and the elderly raised in Finland’s report, stressed the need to promote the rights of the elderly internationally in order to strengthen the enjoyment of their rights. It commended Finland for the measures it had adopted to implement the recommendations made in the first UPR cycle, especially those relating to eliminating discrimination. Argentina made recommendations. 62. Belgium highlighted the issue of discrimination against women and protection of children. It praised Finland for its 2007-2011 Plan of Action promoting reproductive and sexual health, and for its National Plan for the elimination of corporal punishment against children. Belgium stressed the need to provide shelter, adequate resources and specialized staff for victims of sexual harassment and violence. It made recommendations. 63. Brazil noted that Finland was not immune to human rights challenges, including the high incidence of violence against women, which was double the EU average, and the negative perception of immigrants. It welcomed the establishment of the Human Rights Centre and the enhancement of dialogue between the Government and civil society. It commended Finland for its efforts in the United Nations to promote preventive diplomacy and the peaceful dispute settlement. Brazil made recommendations. 64. Iceland congratulated Finland on the National Action Plan on Fundamental and Human Rights and encouraged Finland to ensure effective implementation of the Plan. Iceland commended Finland for its comprehensive approach to reduce violence against women, including domestic violence and human trafficking by means of the National Action Plan to Reduce Violence against Women. Iceland encouraged Finland to guarantee implementation of this plan; and to prepare and implement a similar plan regarding the right of the child. It made a recommendation. 65. Chile considered that Finland’s institutional strength and well-functioning national mechanisms had enabled Finland to make consistent progress in promoting and protecting human rights. It welcomed the establishment of the Human Rights Centre to operate as Finland’s national human rights institution. Chile also welcomed the launch of Finland’s first National Action Plan on Fundamental and Human Rights, which had been promoted through the participation of civil society organizations. Chile made recommendations. 66. China commended Finland’s achievement in gender equality and the rights of persons with disabilities, and its policy regarding the rights of minorities, migrants and other vulnerable groups. It inquired about the experiences of Finland in eliminating hate speech and racism. China made recommendations. 67. Ecuador recognized Finland’s efforts on the protection of gender equality. It noted that there was high female representation in parliament and at ministerial level. Ecuador was concerned at increasing reports of the physical and psychological ill-treatment of asylum seekers and irregular immigrants by the police, including the frequent use of lengthy administrative detention. It was also concerned about repeated reports of domestic violence, female deaths due to domestic violence, sexual harassment and suicides. Ecuador made recommendations. 68. Egypt appreciated the attention that Finland paid to achieving equality between women and men. It also recognized the steps aimed at combating violence against women although were concerned by the prevalent high rates of such violence. Egypt inquired about the measures taken to address domestic abuse of and violence against children and the effectiveness of those measures. It raised concerns about the rise in hate speech and other manifestations of racism and xenophobia. It referred to the situation of migrants, refugees 11