A/HRC/36/10 the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Evidence Act, prior to carrying out the ratification process. 23. Concerning extrajudicial executions, the Supreme Court issued extensive guidelines for effective and independent investigations, and the judiciary monitored investigations in specific cases. 24. In order to address the large backlog of cases that often resulted in delays in their closure, the Law Commission’s recommendations on institutional changes to facilitate timely justice were being considered by the Government and the Supreme Court. 25. Safeguarding the rights of minorities formed an essential core of the polity of India, and the State made no distinction between a citizen’s caste, creed, colour or religion. 26. The delegation stressed that the right to free speech and expression were at the core of the Indian Constitution and that people were conscious of their political freedoms and exercised their choices at every opportunity. B. Interactive dialogue 27. During the interactive dialogue, 103 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 28. Germany welcomed efforts to address poverty, including the issue of corruption, but was concerned about the social hardship endured by marginalized groups and about restrictions on civil society. 29. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela commended India for its efforts aiming to combat trafficking and poverty, promote the economic empowerment of women and provide social assistance to older persons, widows and persons with disabilities. 30. Greece welcomed efforts aiming at poverty eradication, creating an inclusive knowledge society and improving equal access to justice for all. 31. Guatemala was concerned about reports of discrimination against scheduled castes, women and religious minorities. 32. The Holy See made several recommendations. 33. Ghana urged India to finalize its ratification of the Convention against Torture and the Optional Protocol thereto. 34. Iceland commended India for the steps it had taken to combat violence against women, but regretted that violence persisted and women faced barriers to accessing justice. 35. Indonesia supported the efforts to provide continuous training for law enforcement officers and to raise their awareness of the need to respect human rights while performing their tasks. 36. The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomed the allocation of increased resources for the enjoyment of economic and social rights. 37. Iraq commended the increase in health expenditure and the health insurance plans for families living under the poverty line. 38. Spain welcomed the debate on the need to combat child labour and child marriage. 39. Israel commended India for enacting the 2005 Right to Information Act, launching the Digital India programme and setting up anti-human trafficking units. 40. Italy commended efforts towards socioeconomic development and poverty eradication, and steps taken to favour access to justice and fight human trafficking. 41. Japan welcomed the commitment of India to reforming its legal system with a view to protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls. 4