A/HRC/8/47 Page 4 libertés (CNIL), the Haute autorité de lutte contre les discriminations et pour l’égalité (HALDE), created in 2004, the Commission nationale de déontologie de la sécurité (CNDS), the Défenseur des enfants and the Contrôleur général des lieux de privation de liberté, established in 2007. The CNCDH was once again accredited in 2007 by the International Coordination Committee for National Human Rights Institutions (ICC), in light of the Paris Principles. Its independence was reinforced and functions were improved further to a review of its statutes. 7. The Ambassador for Human Rights further stated that the national report focused on difficulties - and sometimes criticism – raised by international expert organs and civil society. He explained that freedom of religion and belief has been recognized in France since 1789 and that French laicism (laïcité) is not exclusive of the freedom to believe. The French authorities maintain a dialogue with faith representatives, such as the Conseil français du culte musulman. He stated that all forms of discrimination are contrary to French values and must be combated. In this regard, the Ministry of Justice also established anti-discrimination focal points within all high courts. Regarding Travellers (Gens du voyage), a consultative national commission has been established and includes representatives of the authorities and of Travellers (Gens du voyage), and measures have been taken with regard to residence, housing, access to work and right to education. He further explained that French legislation fully integrates equality between men and women. The 2004 Equality Charter aims at mobilizing all public and private actors. Almost three quarters of its measures have been implemented but more still needs to be undertaken in order to ensure full parity. 8. The Ambassador for Human Rights further explained the importance placed on the respect for ethics and human rights by law enforcement personnel. He noted that the latter are trained in this regard and that public authorities exercise strict control and sanction breaches vigorously. In 2006, 114 disciplinary sanctions and 76 judicial condemnations were pronounced for violence. A national commission for ethics within the security sector was established in 2000. Conditions of detention in France are not sufficiently satisfactory, notably due to the overcrowding of prisons, a fact that had been often highlighted by human rights treaty bodies, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and the CNCDH. He informed that measures have been taken to remedy the most critical situations. This should lead in 2012 to the creation of 22 new penitentiary establishments, and the closing of 16 old ones. In addition, active political measures have been taken in relation to new ways to execute sentences. All detainees will be able to directly access the Médiateur de la République as of 2010. Detainees are currently able to challenge all administrative sanctions and decisions in front of a judge. Regarding the rights of asylum-seekers, the Head of Delegation explained that France remains deeply committed to its international obligations and constitutional order. He noted that France is the second country in Europe with regard to receiving asylum requests. Since 1 January 2004, significant changes have been introduced into French legislation. In this regard France takes into account persecutions by non-State actors, in conformity with the doctrine of UNHCHR. France strengthened the protections covered by the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, by creating an additional protection covering persons that are at risk of inhuman and degrading treatment. The Office Français pour la Protection des Réfugiés et des Apatrides (OFPRA) is the sole institution which decides on asylum issues, with full independence and under the control of an independent jurisdiction (Cour nationale du droit d’asile). France further indicated that its country will in 2008 take many actions with regard to international human rights treaties (see details of under the chapter on voluntary commitments). Finally, the Head of Delegation stated that in the new world we entered, threatened by divisions, and in which some would like to see a clash of civilizations, France believes on the contrary in the alliance of civilizations, guaranteed by the universal respect of rights and freedoms.