A/HRC/15/13 brought about important progress for foundations in acquiring property, engaging in international activities and obtaining financial aid. 39. Gender equality before the law was a constitutional principle. Honour killings were punished by aggravated life sentences, and initiatives to protect women from violence were ongoing. The Inter-ministerial Monitoring Committee on Violence against Women and the Women and Men Equal Opportunity Parliamentary Commission had been established in 2005 and 2009, respectively. Training on the issue of domestic violence and the reinforced legislative framework on gender equality were provided for law enforcement officers, health personnel, judges, prosecutors and soldiers, and would soon begin for religious leaders. 40. Polygamy and mere religious marriages and genital examinations were prohibited. Shelters for women subjected to violence were available, and more were planned. 41. A parliamentary committee had been founded in 2009 to monitor the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In 2005, the Law on the Protection of the Child had entered into force. The Law against Terrorism would be amended to ensure that all children suspects, without distinction as to age, would be tried under the same regime in the relevant juvenile courts. A significant reduction of child labour had occurred since 1997, and the worst forms of child labour would be eliminated by 2015. ILO considered Turkey to be among the countries most effectively combating child labour. 42. A new justice system based on the protection of children had been developed. Juvenile suspects could not be interrogated or investigated without the presence of a lawyer, and the provision of legal counsel was compulsory. Judges must receive expertise in child psychology and social services, and juvenile suspect trials were closed hearings. Law enforcement officers dealing with child delinquency received special training in psychology and did not wear uniforms. The use of handcuffs was prohibited. 43. Turkey had signed the European Convention for the Protection of Children against Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. A “183” helpline was available for children and women who faced abuse. There were 38 Child and Youth Centres providing social services for children living or working in the streets. 44. Turkey was determined to ensure full accessibility for persons with disabilities to education, training, employment, property and services. 45. Freedom of religion and belief and freedom of assembly were guaranteed for all. The indication of information on religion in family registries was voluntary. Unfortunate isolated attacks against people belonging to different religions had been witnessed in the past. Turkey stated that it deplored all hate crimes and noted that the 2007 circular issued by the Ministry of Interior contained instructions for preventing such incidents and promoting a culture of coexistence and peace. 46. The Philippines noted Turkey’s plans to establish a national human rights institution and commended the abolition of the death penalty and the withdrawal of CEDAW reservations. Philippines commended increased primary education enrolment for girls, Turkey’s partnership with non-governmental organizations to assist victims of trafficking, and human rights education for public officials. The Philippines made recommendations. 47. Bulgaria highlighted the fact that between 1908 and 1945, hundreds of thousands of persons of Bulgarian identity from Eastern Thrace had been forced to leave their homes and had found asylum in Bulgaria. It stressed that there were pending issues regarding their right to housing, land and property, and inquired about the state of implementation of the Law on Foundations. Bulgaria made recommendations. 7