A/HRC/8/30 Page 7 community in Poland” aimed at contributing to wider participation of Roma in civil society since 2004. Turkey noted the adoption of an action plan to address shortcomings in different areas, the National Programme against Domestic Violence and the inclusion of human rights in primary and secondary school curricula as clear indications about the determination of Poland to reach international norms and standards. Turkey believed that some bold steps have already been taken to implement the legal framework in an effective manner and encouraged Poland to continue with determination to overcome these challenges. Turkey asked Poland to provide further information about the state of affairs regarding the process of ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. 19. Consistent with its long-standing strong support to national human rights institutions, Australia enquired on approach and support provided by the Government of Poland to national human rights institutions. In particular, Australia enquired about the role the national human rights institution has played in the promotion and protection of human rights in the country. 20. France acknowledged the commitment of Poland to the promotion and protection of human rights notably by its effective preparation for the UPR. In this context, France raised the issue of the incidence of physical and psychological violence as well as discrimination showed against certain individuals because of their sexual preference. According to France, it seems that the number of incidences is quite high and they are rarely dealt with through complaints by the police. Above and beyond the measures already mentioned in the national report and the introductory statement, France enquired on steps already taken by Poland or which it plans to take to protect people from violation of their human rights on the basis of their sexual preference. Also, with respect to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, France recommended to Poland that it should set a date for its ratification. 21. Brazil welcomed the quality of Poland’s national report which reflects achievements as well as challenges concerning the human rights situation in the country. Brazil recognized the efforts undertaken by Poland to eliminate discrimination in the labour market, particularly by preparing a draft law on equal treatment among different social groups to ban discrimination for reasons of sex, race, ethnic origin, nationality, religion, political views, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status or family situation. Brazil also stressed advancements concerning the adoption of policies to counter racism and xenophobia, specially the implementation of the National Programme against Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, which demonstrates its commitment to its international obligations. In that spirit, Brazil wished to address two specific questions to Poland. In spite of the fact that there have been important achievements related to the enhancement and the efficiency of the judiciary, Poland recognizes the problem of prison overcrowding. In this context Brazil asked how Poland assesses the system of electronic surveillance, which might be a useful instrument in the reduction of prisons overcrowding. Also, considering that Poland has taken important measures to promote and protect the rights of discriminated groups, Brazil enquired about concrete steps which have been taken by Poland to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation in the country. 22. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland noted that the Polish Constitution enshrined respect for minorities and that, as indicated in the national report, awareness of minority rights appears to be increasing rapidly. It also noted that the Government demonstrated an impressive interest in – and commitment to – improving the rights of people belonging to minorities. However, the United Kingdom noted that this has fallen short of the introduction of reforms and effective legislation, a process severely hampered by the current bureaucracy. The United Kingdom thus recommended that Poland consider forming twinning relationships or