A/HRC/24/11 21. Spain commended Canada’s efforts since the last universal periodic review to improve the situation of indigenous peoples, including in the area of access to water and sanitation, though some needs still required to be covered. Spain made recommendations. 22. The Czech Republic encouraged Canada to widely publish the outcome of this universal periodic review and to regularly consult with civil society on its outcomes. It made a recommendation. 23. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea expressed concerns regarding violations of the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, torture, racial discrimination and xenophobia. It noted the overincarceration of Aborigines, AfroCanadians and ethnic minorities. It made recommendations. 24. Djibouti noted the enhancement of the Canadian legal and institutional human rights framework since the first universal periodic review through the domestication of international instruments, and the implementation of international commitments through the ratification of treaties. Djibouti made recommendations. 25. Ecuador thanked the delegation for the presentation of the second national report of Canada. Ecuador made recommendations. 26. Egypt expressed concern about racial profiling by law-enforcement officials and racial discrimination in employment. It urged Canada to recommit to a national anti-racism strategy and to participate in events addressing implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Egypt made recommendations. 27. Estonia noted progress in several human rights areas. It encouraged full implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Estonia believed that more could be done to eliminate all forms of violence against Aboriginal women and children. It made recommendations. 28. Finland asked how Canada was addressing the multiple discrimination faced by Aboriginal women and girls in all sectors of society, including education, employment and health services. Finland made recommendations. 29. Canada indicated that it was now seeking to arrange a visit by the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples. 30. Canada recognized that historic wrongs have strained the relationship with Aboriginal peoples. Canada is committed to reconciliation and a renewed relationship. Progress is being made in settling land claims and supporting self-government. Canada believes that increased participation by Aboriginal people in the labour market can improve their socioeconomic conditions, particularly young people. A large number of economic development projects are being implemented in or near Aboriginal communities. 31. To tackle poverty, Canada has an income assistance programme to help meet the basic needs of over 160,000 First Nations recipients, primarily living on reserves. Economic development is key to improving the lives and self-sufficiency of Aboriginal people and communities. 32. Canada noted several legislative measures to better protect the most vulnerable Aboriginal people and to ensure that they do not face discrimination, including: the Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act; an amendment to the Canadian Human Rights Act to extend real human rights protection to all members of First Nations communities; and the proposed Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act, which seeks to provide basic rights and protection to individuals on reserves regarding the family home and other matrimonial interests or rights. 5

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