A/HRC/12/7 Page 11 plans in this regard. Noting that the legal and institutional framework against racial discrimination had been strengthened, it requested information on measures to address concerns regarding legal provisions against racial expression, racially motivated offences and racial discrimination. It recommended that (b) Malta strengthen its legal and institutional framework to combat racism and racial discrimination to ensure all legal provisions are fully applied and to ensure active monitoring of racism and racial discrimination. Welcoming ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT-OP), the United Kingdom recommended (c) ensuring that the Maltese National Preventive Mechanism under CAT-OP is granted with the necessary human, financial and logistical resources to be able to carry out its preventive work, requesting information in this regard. 55. Ukraine welcomed Malta’s close cooperation with human rights mechanisms, its standing invitation to special procedures and the network of national commissions relating to human rights. In the face of socio-economic problems posed by illegal immigration, Ukraine asked for elaboration on multilateral and bilateral cooperation in this area, particularly between Malta and countries of origin, to identify common solutions. It asked about measures to combat human trafficking, closely connected to the problem of illegal migration. Ukraine recommended (a) continuing efforts aimed at the promotion and protection of human rights. 56. While noting Malta’s key priorities such as social welfare and the care for the elderly, Turkey called for enhancement of women’s representation in public life and decision-making bodies. Appreciating the challenges due to the influx of undocumented migrants, particularly boat people, Turkey praised measures taken to combat discrimination against them and to provide free medical care. Turkey appreciated the Government’s cooperation with nongovernmental organizations. Noting reports of long detention periods for undocumented migrants, Turkey recommended that (a) the Government take part actively in rescue operations at sea particularly for boat people and provide instant refuge for them. Noting that some international human rights treaties had not been incorporated into domestic law, Turkey requested information on plans in this regard. It recommended (b) considering becoming a party to the CEDAW-OP and the CRC-OP-SC. 57. The Holy See highlighted that Government policies in Malta contribute to the free practice of religion. It applauded, and recommended, that the Government (a) continue its policy in defence of the right to life and in defence of the family as the natural and fundamental group unit of society based on the stable relationship between a man and a woman. Noting that Malta’s geographical position attracted a massive arrival of migrants, and that it has called for burden sharing within the European Union, the Holy See asked how Malta, with the help of the European Union, intended to improve the situation of illegal immigrants, many of whom are kept for months in administrative detention. It also asked about the ongoing development of community-based services for the elderly and the policy to increase awareness and understanding of what constitutes abuse and how to prevent it. 58. Sweden expressed concerns about detained immigrants and asylum-seekers while appreciating that this poses a challenge. It recommended (a) taking all measures possible, with a view to ensuring that the detention regime in Malta is brought in line with international human rights law; (b) continuing efforts to ensure that those subject to administrative detention are provided free legal assistance. Sweden welcomed awareness-raising efforts to fight the persistence of traditional stereotypes in gender roles and the trend of change in the younger generation. Noting Malta’s explanation on the definition of rape and violent assault, Sweden