A/HRC/18/9 intolerance. The development of language skills is a tool to enhance employment and education. 71. Slovenia noted with appreciation that Latvia has ratified the majority of core human rights instruments, including the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. It also welcomed the fact that the definition of torture has recently been incorporated into the Criminal Code. Slovenia made recommendations. 72. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was pleased to note the establishment of the Ombudsman’s Office and encouraged strengthening its capacity and seeking its accreditation. The United Kingdom enquired about national responses to allegations of all forms of discrimination. It welcomed the work to update the State programme for society integration and proposed new policy guidelines. It requested further details on measures planned and the revised programme to strengthen the integration of minority groups. It enquired about the steps taken to prevent human trafficking and fictitious marriages abroad. It made recommendations. 73. Italy commended Latvia for its active collaboration with the United Nations and for its advocacy role in favour of a standing invitation by other countries to United Nations special procedures. It encouraged Latvia to facilitate the naturalization of non-citizens and enquired about the possibility of automatically granting citizenship to those born in Latvia. Italy called on Latvia to continue to cooperate with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council of Europe on minority issues, and encouraged Latvia to intensify its efforts to facilitate the full social integration of national minorities. 74. Sweden enquired about Latvia’s intentions to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It expressed concern about the shortcomings in prisons and detention centres, referring to allegations of ill-treatment by staff, poor material conditions and insufficient outdoor exercise. Sweden made recommendations. 75. China appreciated the progress made in the protection of human rights and welcomed the accession by Latvia to core human rights treaties. It noted Latvia’s commitment to protect the rights of women and children, and the cultural traditions of minorities, as well as to combat discrimination against Roma. China made a recommendation. 76. Ecuador noted the efforts made by Latvia to implement international human rights standards. Ecuador made recommendations. 77. Slovakia noted the progress made by Latvia in advancing its human rights record in recent years. It took positive note of the ratification of the main international human rights instruments by Latvia and the standing invitation issued to United Nations special procedures. Slovakia made recommendations. 78. Georgia welcomed the positive measures taken by Latvia to protect the rights of national minorities. It noted with satisfaction that non-citizens enjoyed most rights guaranteed to Latvian citizens, and also noted that since the simplification of the naturalization process, the number of non-citizens has considerably decreased. It requested information about the Concept Paper on Resocialization of Convicted Persons. Georgia expressed concern that some states are trying to politicize the UPR process of Latvia. Georgia made a recommendation. 79. Costa Rica recognized Latvia’s action relating to human rights and, in particular, the establishment of a national human rights institution and its steadfast promotion of the issuance of standing invitations to special procedures. It also recognized the measures taken on various issues, such as ethnic minorities, gender equality and the elimination of domestic violence. Costa Rica made recommendations. 11