A/HRC/18/4 77. Australia acknowledged Denmark’s long-standing commitment to human rights and commended it for ratifying most human rights treaties, while noting that it is not party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It commended the work of non-governmental organizations in Denmark in promoting human rights, and the establishment of the centre against human trafficking and noted that Denmark is part of regional and European networks to combat child trafficking. Australia made recommendations. 78. Argentina recognized Denmark’s national and international initiatives, through the work of the Danish Human Rights Institute. It asked about measures to ensure equal remuneration for men and women and to combat sex tourism which affects children. Argentina made recommendations. 79. The Netherlands noted Denmark’s increased police powers, since 2011, to investigate and prevent terrorism. It also noted that none of the United Nations core human rights conventions ratified by Denmark has been incorporated in Danish law. It made recommendations. 80. Italy praised Denmark's innovative approach facilitating the consultation process in view of the universal periodic review, including through a dedicated website, identifying this as best practice. It acknowledged the importance given to human rights promotion and protection and Denmark’s leadership in anti-torture efforts worldwide, as recognized by treaty bodies and special procedures. It made a recommendation. 81. Norway commended Denmark for its consistent efforts against torture. It referred to focus areas for enhanced efforts on gender equality and noted the importance of access by children to an independent body monitoring their rights and advocating on their behalf. Norway hoped Denmark would share its experience in lowering the age of criminal responsibility. It asked how certain penal code provisions on rape and sexual abuse, which refer to the marital relationship of the victim and the perpetrator, influence sentences. Norway made recommendations. 82. Spain commended Denmark’s efforts to promote and protect human rights, including the plan to combat ghettos and awareness-raising initiatives against trafficking of persons, as well as the mechanism established in 2004 to receive individual complaints on racial discrimination cases. Spain commended the 2008 judicial system reform and enquired about intentions to adopt legislation on gender violence, also addressing the situation of abused migrant women. Spain made recommendations. 83. Belarus noted that Denmark has signed many United Nations human rights instruments and regularly submits periodic reports, but is overdue on a number of special procedure questionnaires. Belarus noted efforts to fight human trafficking, especially the national plan against human trafficking and the establishment of a special unit to investigate crimes of child pornography on the Internet. Belarus made recommendations. 84. The Republic of Korea commended Denmark’s efforts in promoting respect for human rights, its accession to most core human rights treaties and closer cooperation with United Nations human rights bodies. Noting the number of victims of violence in intimate relations, it welcomed the launch of a National Strategy to combat such violence. It expressed concern over forcible return of asylum-seekers to third countries where they may face the danger of persecution or serious harm, and reiterated the principle of nonrefoulement. It stated that Denmark should embrace minorities and indigenous peoples in society. It made recommendations. 85. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, noting the positive developments in Denmark for employment of non-Western immigrants and descendants, was concerned about the 24-year rule potentially preventing immigrants from securing 11