A/HRC/11/19* noted the measures adopted to ensure gender equality and asked which measures outlaw domestic violence. It recommended adopting legislative measures to outlaw domestic violence if it has not done so already. 41. Egypt noted that Russia has consistently maintained a policy of broadening and strengthening human rights, establishing equal, non-confrontational dialogue in the interest of all regional groups, and has constructively cooperated with the OHCHR. It enquired about efforts exerted by the Government to ensure the enjoyment of the right to social security and for the effective realization of all economic and social rights in the aftermath of turbulent transition. Egypt commented on allegations that NGOs are facing various obstacles in carrying out their activities as a result of the recently adopted legislation on NGOs. It asked about the measures taken by the Government to protect the rights of migrant workers. Egypt recommended continue efforts to consolidate Russia’s national human rights institutional architecture, and that it consider ratifying the United Nations Convention for the Protection of Migrant workers and their families. 42. Sri Lanka appreciated the steps taken by Russia to protect and promote human rights noting the fact that in the year 2008 Russia has signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child and ratified the Optional Protocol on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of Children in Armed Conflict. The Government had set up a multi layer system for monitoring the activities of institutions and bodies in the criminal justice system, including international bodies, with a view to ensuring objectiveness and transparency in observing human rights. The decision taken by the Government to provide free of charge legal assistance to socially vulnerable groups is a commendable step forward. Despite having challenges posed by terrorism, it is encouraging to note that Russia intents to continue to refine its domestic legislation in the field of human rights systems, to reform the judiciary, to improve the situation of servicemen and people deprived of their liberty and to devise test measures for fighting corruption. 43. Palestine encouraged Russia to follow its laws for the protection of the dignity of the individual, freedom of thought, conscience and religion. It noted that Russia promotes freedom of economic activities that is essential to economic progress. Palestine noted the efforts in the social protection and services for families and children. It encouraged to continue their efforts in ensuring the respect and promotion of human rights principles despite all existing challenges and obstacles. 44. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea welcomed the consistent efforts made by the Russian Government for the protection of human rights. It took note of the equality and freedom enjoyed by all ethnic groups in the country both legally and practically, increased women’s representation in decision-making positions as acknowledged by CEDAW in 2002, further improvement of health institutions and enhanced quality of life of citizens. It encouraged the Government to continue its current positive efforts for the furtherance of the human rights protection. 45. Venezuela valued the progress made with regard to the right to health thanks to the national priority plan for health. It asked for more details on the implementation of this program and in particular on the achievements and the expectations of the Government. 46. Uzbekistan highlighted the active cooperation of Russia with United Nations treaty bodies and other international organizations. It noted with great satisfaction Russian achievements in areas of defending the rights of women and children, social security and protection of health, right to education and freedom of religion and other areas. It welcomed the fact that Russia signed the Convention on Rights of the Child and ratified the Optional Protocol to CRC related to participation of children in armed conflict in 2008. 47. Malaysia noted the Government’s efforts to mitigate the effects of the transition process and commended the importance given on constructive international cooperation in 10 GE.09-16259