A/HRC/8/47 Page 7 18. The Netherlands requested further information concerning the representation of minorities in elected positions. With reference to concerns expressed by the Committee against Torture (CAT), the Netherlands stated that there is an urgency to change the poor prison conditions, including overcrowding of prisons and the long periods of pre-trial detention, and asked what deadlines France considers for meeting international standards in prisons and implementing the recommendations. The Netherlands recommended that France report back to the Human Rights Council about further concrete measures taken with regard to the improvement of prison conditions according to international standards and that the recommendations of the different treaty bodies in this regard be implemented as soon as possible. With reference to the recommendation of CAT to consider the introduction of a procedure on article 3 of the Convention, the Netherlands recommended that France make effective efforts to respect its international obligations not to forcibly return any individual to a country where he or she may be at risk of serious human rights violations, including torture or other ill-treatment. 19. China noted that in recent years, positive efforts have been made to improve legislation and positive steps taken to protect human rights. In this regard, China referred to various agencies that protect human rights. China recalled the recommendation made in 2008 by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) that France ensure that women enjoy equality for pay and employment, and help disabled women to find jobs, and asked whether it is planned to implement this recommendation. Finally, it asked what France is planning to do regarding the National Plan of Action on Human Rights and what the content of the plan will be. 20. Noting the legislative measures taken for the rights of women and children and concerning the fight against all forms of discrimination and intolerance, Cuba expressed hope that this legal structure will be found in effective policies to strengthen the concepts of inclusion, equality and non-discrimination and will apply in an equal manner to all members of the multicultural and diverse French society. In reference to the national report, in which France stressed the importance of legislation combating all forms of discrimination, and to France’s reservations to article 4 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), Cuba asked how the Government reconciles the right to freedom of expression and the prohibition of any propaganda organization, which is based on the concept of racial superiority or which claims to justify or promote racial hatred or discrimination. Cuba asked how the Government guarantees respect for the rights of migrant workers, particularly those in illegal situations and recommended that France consider the possibility of withdrawing its reservations to article 4 of ICERD and to continue its efforts to protect the rights of all migrants, regardless of their situation and status. 21. Canada noted the concerns expressed by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) regarding the increase in racist, anti-Semitic and xenophobic incidents and its calls to take preventive measures to put an end to racist incidents involving law enforcement authorities and other public officials. Canada also referred to the concerns of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights regarding the rejection of the rights of minorities due to incompatibility with the French Constitution. Canada recommended that France review its position on the recognition of the rights of minorities and that it begin collecting data on the socio-economic status, disaggregated by ethnic identity, confession and gender, in order to identify social problems affecting ethnic and religious minorities. Canada noted that France prohibits wearing the veil, be it religious or not, in its public schools while tolerating wearing crucifixes. Canada is of the view that wearing the veil is part of freedom of religion and recommended that France remove its prohibition on wearing the hijab in public schools. Finally, Canada drew attention to CAT and CEDAW observations to the effect that France’s reports do not contain any information on the implementation of the respective conventions in its overseas territories and departments.