A/HRC/10/72
Page 11
the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women observed that not all sectors
of the Government were able to implement the plan fully. Chile requested more information on
the implementation of the plan. Noting that the Committee recognized efforts to eradicate
violence against women and recommended the adoption of strategies and an action plan to fight
this phenomenon, Chile asked what Luxembourg intends to do in the future. Chile asked for
further details on the fight against prostitution. It also asked what safeguards Luxembourg is
adopting to prevent persons from being deported to a country where they may be tortured. Chile
requested more information regarding the new law adopted in July 2008 on immigration, which,
according to the human rights advisory committee, contains general provisions affecting human
rights, the execution of which might be governed by decree.
37.
The Islamic Republic of Iran shared the concerns expressed by various United Nations
treaty bodies on a number of issues, including the difficulties experienced by immigrant women,
racist and xenophobic incidents, in particular against Arabs and Muslims, violence against
women, trafficking in human beings, child pornography and disadvantaged foreign children in
educational programmes. It also raised particular cases that need elaboration of measures by the
Government of Luxembourg. It recommended that Luxembourg take appropriate measures to
tackle practically the problem of trafficking for sexual exploitation in a comprehensive manner.
With regard to domestic violence, it recommended that Luxembourg promote the strengthening
of the foundations of the family and its associated values in society through appropriate ways
and means. The Islamic Republic of Iran also recommended that Luxembourg revisit relevant
policies and practices to create better conditions of work for workers and their families.
38.
China appreciated the achievements and advanced practices made by the Government of
Luxembourg in all aspects of human rights, especially new legislative and administrative
measures taken in nationality policy, women’s rights, trafficking in human beings and the
protection of the rights of the child. China noted that in the protection of the rights of the child,
Luxembourg has a very special parental assistance programme, halfway houses, parent helpers
and comprehension programme that China has great interest in. China asked for more detail on
the operation-model of the programme. It also noted that, in recent years, Luxembourg has taken
a series of active measures to prevent and combat discrimination, including the establishment of
a centre for equal treatment in 2006. China asked if the initial expectation for this centre had
been met, what were the major achievements made and the problems encountered.
39.
In reply to some questions, Luxembourg stated that competent ministries are studying the
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and that a bill for its ratification is being
drafted. On the question of representation of women in politics and political bodies, Luxembourg
indicated that it was not enough to have 23 per cent of women in Parliament and a few women
ministers, and that further efforts needed to be made. No quota system is provided for in national
law. Participation of women in politics means balancing professional and private life. In this
regard, Luxembourg is trying to develop childcare facilities for families at working times and has
introduced a service encouraging parents to put their children in day-care services.
40.
Luxembourg included aggravating circumstances in the case of a crime coupled with
discriminatory behaviour and a 1997 law included provisions for prison sentences of up to two
years for any person belonging to an organization aiming at inciting to discriminatory and racist
behaviour. Luxembourg is making efforts to deal with the slow pace of the justice system and
has increased its judicial staff. Luxembourg stressed that not all asylum-seekers are detained; it is
only in specific cases of non-cooperation by asylum-seekers that detention is provided for by the
law. A bill is currently being drafted for a specific detention centre separate from prison. No
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