A/HRC/21/8 22. Mozambique commended Finland for its policies and actions to promote the rights of children, the elderly, minorities, in particular Roma, and disadvantaged people as well as to promote gender equality. It welcomed the incorporation into domestic law of international instruments. Mozambique encouraged Finland to continue with its commitments under the new Act on the promotion of integration and to carry on with its decision to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). 23. Namibia commended Finland’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, including through its exemplary education programmes and policies on gender equality. It noted Finland’s ratification of core human rights instruments. It commended Finland for emphasizing the rights of foreigners, immigrants and asylum seekers, but noted that they continued to face racism, discrimination, intolerance and xenophobia. Discrimination against the Roma also remained a concern. Namibia made recommendations. 24. Nepal noted Finland’s strong foundation in human rights and its role in international development policy areas, peacekeeping and mediation. It noted with satisfaction the legal and institutional mechanisms to promote and protect human rights. Finland’s efforts to reduce poverty, inequality and gender disparities were encouraging. Particularly noteworthy was the Child and Youth Policy Programme for 2012-2015 in that regard. Nepal made recommendations. 25. Netherlands commended the establishment of the Human Rights Centre and its associated Human Rights Delegation, which meant to contribute to the development of indicators for assessing concrete realization of fundamental human rights. It encouraged the steps undertaken by Finland to enhance implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It hoped that Finland will continue with its on-going efforts to ensure children a safe, stable and violence –free living environment. Netherlands made recommendations. 26. Nicaragua noted that Finland’s human rights policy was also part of its international cooperation and hence human rights represented a pillar of Finland’s foreign policy. However, it expressed concern at the negative effects on human rights, that the conditionalities attached to the cooperation might have, especially on the right to development. Nicaragua emphasized that cooperation must comply with the guiding principles of mutual respect and solidarity. It encouraged Finland to address domestic human rights issues, particularly persistent discrimination against ethnic and Sami communities. Nicaragua made recommendations. 27. Norway praised Finland’s efforts in addressing issues of persons with disabilities. Noting the National Action Plan to prevent violence against women, Norway referred to the high level of domestic violence. Norway expressed concern at the overcrowding in the immigration detention facility. Norway made recommendations. 28. Palestine welcomed Finland’s efforts to ensure the promotion and protection of fundamental freedoms and human rights for all irrespective of gender, age, origin, language, religion, beliefs, opinions, health or disability. It welcomed the signing by Finland of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, which was the first European Convention on women’s rights to establish a comprehensive legal framework. Palestine made recommendations. 29. In responding to the question on combating discrimination and racism, the delegation reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to combat racism and referred to a number of measures undertaken by Finland that were cited in the national report, including the reform of relevant legislation and the establishment of a national human rights institution to conduct studies and monitor the realization of human rights in Finland. A number of policy initiatives, including equality planning and equality impact assessment have also been undertaken to promote equality in a number of areas of life. The 6