A/HRC/37/12 41. The United States of America was concerned by reports of lengthy detention of asylum seekers and discrimination against members of ethnic minority groups. 42. Uruguay commended Switzerland for its ratification of several international human rights instruments and welcomed measures taken to promote gender equality. 43. Uzbekistan welcomed the participatory process to prepare the national report. It noted concerns about racist stereotypes made by some political parties and media outlets. 44. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela shared the concern expressed by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination about racist stereotypes promoted by extreme right-wing groups and some media outlets. 45. Yemen commended Switzerland for its financial support to OHCHR and its humanitarian and development assistance to poor countries. 46. Afghanistan commended Switzerland for its launch of cantonal integration programmes as an important step in promoting the integration of foreign nationals. 47. Albania encouraged Switzerland to modernize further its family law by following up on the 2015 report of the Federal Council. 48. Algeria welcomed measures to improve the representation of women and to combat domestic violence, the sexual exploitation of children and human trafficking. 49. Andorra appreciated the efforts deployed by Switzerland to ratify the main international human rights instruments. 50. Angola encouraged Switzerland to continue efforts to increase the representation of women in politics and the economy. 51. Argentina welcomed the ratification in 2016 of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. 52. Armenia commended Switzerland for its commitment to the prevention of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. 53. Australia commended Switzerland for the leading role it played in promoting human rights and mediating conflicts internationally. 54. Bahrain stated that combating hate speech and racial discrimination was a necessity and asked about available recourse and remedies. 55. Bangladesh noted the absence of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation and was concerned that women were disproportionately affected by poverty. 56. Belarus noted the numerous measures taken by Switzerland to comply with international obligations. 57. Belgium commended Switzerland for its ratification of several human rights treaties and the adoption of the Gender Equality and Women’s Rights Strategy. 58. Benin welcomed the commitment by Switzerland to the promotion of the rights of children, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities and migrants and to gender equality and the abolition of death penalty. 59. Bhutan commended Switzerland for the progress it had made in implementing recommendations from the previous universal periodic review cycle, including the withdrawal of reservations, and the ratification of human rights treaties. It appreciated the adoption of the 2016–2019 Human Rights Strategy. 60. The Plurinational State of Bolivia encouraged Switzerland to strengthen its regulatory framework to promote the respect for human rights by transnational corporations. 61. Bosnia and Herzegovina applauded the measures taken to increase the representation of women and commitment in combating human trafficking. 62. Botswana commended Switzerland for its adoption of a national strategy on addiction addressing the challenges faced by children and adolescents. GE.17-23483 5