A/HRC/31/15 16. Georgia considered that torture and ill-treatment had been eliminated as a systemic problem and noted that the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment had acknowledged the success of the reforms undertaken since 2012. 17. In relation to the penitentiaries, Georgia reported that the number of inmates had been more than halved in 2013 as a result of a large-scale amnesty. The decreased number of inmates had been maintained without a significant impact on public safety. Minimum space for inmates had been guaranteed; internal monitoring of detention mechanisms had been strengthened and external monitoring had been carried out by the Public Defender and the national preventive mechanism. Prisoners enjoyed health services equivalent to those provided to the general public. 18. Reforms since 2012 had built a data protection system, which included a data protection supervisory authority with a head elected by Parliament and a mandate covering the private and public sectors, including law enforcement agencies. 19. Georgia’s numerous reforms to improve the media environment and facilitate pluralism included the adoption of legislation on the Board of the Public Broadcaster and measures for the improved financial transparency of television companies, the digital switchover and the obligation to include on cable and satellite services all television stations that broadcast news. 20. Georgia noted that the Public Defender had recognized the positive developments that had occurred following the amendments to the legislation covering assemblies and demonstrations. 21. In the light of Georgia’s religious diversity, the Government had decided, in line with best European practice, to set up the State Agency for Religious Issues, which made recommendations based upon research and dialogue between religious associations in Georgia. 22. With respect to finding long-term solutions for internally displaced persons and the protection of their rights during displacement, the delegation outlined the new policies of Georgia, with improved criteria for beneficiary selection and housing allocation procedures. The budget allocation for durable solutions had increased dramatically, and 15,000 families had already been given accommodation. Still, the ultimate goal was a safe, dignified and unconditional return of internally displaced persons who were victims of ethnic cleansing to their places of origin. 23. Protecting women’s rights was stated to be one of Georgia’s top priorities. Recent developments included several legislative changes and improved maternity leave. National action plans on gender equality, the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and the elimination of domestic violence had also been adopted. 24. In 2015, Parliament had adopted a juvenile justice code aimed at fully incorporating into law the relevant principles enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other relevant international standards. Furthermore, Georgia had committed itself, within the National Strategy on Human Rights for 2014-2020, to further improving the educational system, developing health-care and social services, reducing poverty and child mortality and ensuring the effective protection of children from violence. Financial assistance for children with disabilities and social-care programmes had also been significantly increased. 25. Georgia had ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2014. The coordination of its implementation was led by the Prime Minister, and an action plan had been adopted to ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. 5