A/HRC/11/19* of crimes committed against leaders of Ukrainian associations. If these crimes had not been investigated, it recommended that effective investigation and punishment of these crimes take place. It recommended ratifying the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages and Protocol No. 14 to the European Convention on Human Rights. 35. Viet Nam noted that Russia had a multiethnic population and had maintained political stability and attained continued economic growth. Viet Nam appreciated, inter alia, Russia’s close cooperation with the United Nations human rights mechanism. Viet Nam wished to join other countries in recommending intensified efforts to resolve outstanding issues in ensuring human rights as mentioned in the national report and to realize Russia’s commitments, particularly those related to legislative and judicial reform and combating corruption. 36. The United Kingdom welcomed the agenda of strengthening of the rule of law. It expressed concern about media freedom, safety of journalist, racism and xenophobia, the penal system, restrictions on civil society, and on threats to human rights defenders. It expressed concern about ongoing extra-judicial killings, torture, abduction and arbitrary detention in the North Caucasus. It recommended to provide access to Ingushetia for the United Nations Working Group on enforced disappearances and the Special Rapporteurs on torture and extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; ratify the OP-CAT; respect and protect the ability of human rights defenders and lawyers to carry out their work without hindrance, intimidation or harassment, in line with the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers. 37. Zimbabwe noted Russia’s achievements in ensuring human rights and the challenges it faces. It recommended continue to refine its domestic legislation in the field of human rights and freedoms; continue to maintain its policy of broadening and strengthening international cooperation in the promotion and protection of human rights in the interest of humankind. 38. Saudi Arabia welcomed the delegation and their efforts to promote human rights notably by the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman. It commended their accession to the largest number of international conventions on human rights. Saudi Arabia recommended pursuing its action plans to protect the rights of the child and of the family. It then posed questions with regard to Russia’s future objectives in order to protect the rights of the family and the child and regarding the implementation of legislation on religious rights. 39. Jordan welcomed the development of a legislative and institutional framework including the establishment of the office of the Ombudsman. It noted with assurance the recent accession to the Optional Protocol on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of Children in Armed Conflict. Jordan encouraged Russia to continue its active participation in the work of Human Rights Council as well as to maintain its contribution to OHCHR. 40. South Africa commended the progress in implementing economic, social and cultural rights, Russia’s cooperation with OHCHR and special procedures, and the commitment to the Durban Review Conference. It stated that the Special Rapporteur on racism expressed concern on the trend of racism and xenophobia and increased number of racially motivated crimes. It noted that despite intensified efforts, Russia has not adopted comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation and asked about planned measures in this regard. Noting concerns raised by the Working Group on Enforced/Involuntary Disappearance about cases during anti-terror operations it asked for more information on this issue. It noted indication that authorities resorting to violence and illegal use of physical force and enquired about the training of law enforcement officers. South Africa noted allegations from human rights defenders facing obstacles while exercising public monitoring in the penitentiary institutions and asked for more information. South Africa GE.09-16259 9