A/HRC/21/9 48. Responding to Spain’s question about the right to water and sanitation, the United Kingdom said that it was committed to addressing the impact that inadequate water and poor sanitation has on the full enjoyment of human rights. This was shown by its recent announcement to double the commitment on water and sanitation results that were made last year. 49. In response to Qatar’s question, the United Kingdom said it was fully aware that it was a destination for trafficking. In July 2011 the British Government launched its new strategy on trafficking, which takes a comprehensive approach to tackling this issue with a renewed focus on preventing human trafficking overseas. The Scottish Government had changed the law to tackle trafficking and was meeting European standards. They were committed to working with other jurisdictions to ensure effective enforcement. 50. With regard to migrant and domestic workers, the United Kingdom said that the rights of migrant workers were already protected in domestic legislation, including in the Human Rights Act and it believed that the right balance had been struck between the need for a firm, fair and effective immigration system and for protection of the interests and rights of migrant workers and their families. 51. In response to Thailand’s question about changes affecting overseas domestic workers (ODWs), the United Kingdom said it had not seen convincing evidence that the changes made would lead to an increase in trafficking. The protections already in place to minimize the risk of ODWs being subject to forced labour would remain, including the new offence of holding someone in slavery or servitude, introduced in 2009. 52. In response to Sudan’s question about the gender pay gap, the United Kingdom said that there were a number of causes and that they were using a range of approaches to close the gap, including extending the right to request flexible working and promoting a new system of flexible parental leave. The new voluntary framework for gender equality reporting, “Think, Act, Report”, would improve transparency on pay and wider workplace equality. 53. Australia commended the United Kingdom on the ratification of the CRPD and the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. It welcomed efforts to reform the European Court of Human Rights aimed at expediting applications and commended the establishment of a Commission in 2012 to investigate the creation of a United Kingdom Bill of Rights. Australia also welcomed the establishment of Commissions in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Australia made recommendations. 54. Austria noted the changes made to the “Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Act 2011” but expressed concern about the possibility of pre-charge detention and the admissibility of “secret evidence”. Austria enquired how the Government could guarantee a fair trial in all terrorism-related cases. Austria made recommendations. 55. Bangladesh commended the United Kingdom on the ratification of the CRPD and noted its commitment to spending 0.7 per cent of gross national income on overseas development assistance by 2013. It requested details on these plans. Bangladesh expressed concerns about reports of negative public attitudes towards Muslims and voiced concern over the use of detention in immigration control. Bangladesh made recommendations. 56. Belarus appreciated the national report of the United Kingdom. Belarus voiced concern over the systematic use of torture by the British forces vis-à-vis detainees outside the country, lengthy secret detentions, reservations placed on human rights treaties, the age of criminal responsibility, and children in custody. Belarus made recommendations. 57. Botswana welcomed the addition of a third NHRC of Scotland and the review of counter terrorism and security powers. Botswana also welcomed United Kingdom’s endeavours to establish the cause of the 2011 summer riots and congratulated the United 9