A/HRC/27/3 113. France asked how Norway would make combating violence against women and children a priority and how it would ensure that sick children had equal access to health care in different parts of the country. 114. Gabon recognized the commitment of Norway to human rights and its ratification of human rights instruments. Norway combated inequalities in society and in particular was tackling the gender pay gap. Gabon asked about the results that had been achieved through the equality and anti-discrimination action plan. 115. Germany appreciated the efforts Norway had made in response to recommendations made in the previous cycle and recognized its very good national and international human rights record. 116. Ghana noted the commitment of Norway to upholding human rights, but expressed concern that certain minorities were the target of hate crime and racism. Efforts should be intensified to address the gender pay gap. 117. Greece expressed concern at the persistence of hate speech, as noted by the Human Rights Committee, and asked what action was being taken to fight it. Greece also expressed concern that the national human rights institution had been downgraded. 118. Guatemala noted the progress made in human rights in Norway but shared concerns at reports that over half of the immigrant population suffered discrimination in accessing employment, housing, education and health care. 119. Honduras acknowledged the efforts Norway had made to improve employment opportunities for immigrants by providing language training. It further noted the country’s efforts to combat violence and rape. 120. Hungary considered the amendment to the Constitution to be a positive step, but sought clarification of the reference to the Church of Norway as the national church. Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children between the ages of 15 and 18 years suffered discrimination. 121. Iceland noted the commitment of Norway to achieving gender equality, combating domestic violence, and violence and sexual abuse against children and young people. It asked whether Norway intended to strengthen its assistance to victims of trafficking. 122. India noted the discrimination experienced by immigrants and asylum seekers in gaining access to public services and employment. A high incidence of rape had been reported, with half of victims being below the age of 18. Violence and hate speech persisted. 123. Indonesia noted the firm commitment of Norway to human rights. It requested that Norway ensure the protection of all minors in conflict with the law, taking into account the principle of the best interests of the child. 124. Romania highlighted developments in human rights in Norway since the previous UPR and a comprehensive mid-term report. It sought more information on human rights education in the country. 125. In response to a comment from Denmark, the Norwegian delegation said that Norway, Sweden and Finland had commenced negotiations on a Nordic Sami Convention in 2011. The aim was to complete the negotiations in 2016. 126. Responding to other questions, the delegation provided information about the action plan on domestic violence, the right of victims of domestic violence to free legal aid, the duty of local authorities to provide victims of domestic violence with shelter and coordinated assistance, and recent amendments to the Penal Code to increase the punishment for abuse in close relationships. 12