A/HRC/22/11 employment field and about the implementation of the action plan on gender equality prepared in 2009 after the review by CEDAW. 109. Jordan highlighted the country’s role in advancing the agenda of human rights with respect to human rights defenders, gender equality and the protection of civilians. It noted the Ordinance on protection measures for children and young people and the Federal Act on Criminal Procedures applicable to Minors. It made recommendations. 110. Kuwait expressed concern at increasing racism and xenophobia and stressed the importance of combating all forms of racism and racial discrimination and the adoption of comprehensive legislation. It highlighted the importance of preserving religious freedom. It made a recommendation. 111. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic noted that Switzerland was a party to many human rights instruments and contributed in an inclusive and open manner to the strengthening of the Council. It encouraged Switzerland to continue its cooperation with the United Nations and other international organisations to develop further the legal and institutional framework with respect to the promotion and protection of human rights in Switzerland. 112. Libyan Arab Jamahiriya commended the efforts made by Switzerland to promote human rights and the progress achieved. It encouraged dialogue with different ethnic and religious groups. Libyan Arab Jamahiriya made recommendations. 113. Liechtenstein commended Switzerland for ratifying the Optional Protocol to CEDAW and policies strengthening gender equality. It welcomed Swiss efforts in ensuring the right to education of every child, irrespective of its residence status. It made recommendations. 114. Malaysia acknowledged Swiss efforts in adopting legislative measures and programmes to strengthen gender equality and women’s rights and in combating violence against women and trafficking in persons. It noted racism, intolerance and xenophobic attitudes against non-citizens and other minorities in the country. It made recommendations. 115. Thailand noted steps taken by Switzerland to accede to OP-CAT and CEDAW’s Optional Protocol. It applauded efforts in protecting women’s and children’s rights. On the treatment of minor offenders, it recognized the efforts made with regard to pretrial detention. It made recommendations. 116. Namibia acknowledged the Swiss commitment to protecting the human rights of its nationals and foreigners living in the country. It acknowledged the high life expectancy and the efficient health system in Switzerland. It made recommendations. 117. In conclusion, Switzerland emphasized the importance of the interactive dialogue for its national human rights policy, noting that human rights were never guaranteed and needed to be defended and internalized by all on a daily basis. It was thus important that the human rights policy of each country was reviewed on a regular basis and that the reviews were followed up with concrete action. Given the importance of the follow-up process, Switzerland had to work towards strengthened cooperation and coordination in this area between its federal departments and with the 26 cantons. 118. Switzerland also highlighted the importance of its foreign policy commitments in working towards, among others, the abolition of the death penalty globally, the increase of its official development aid, the restitution of illicit funds or in the field of business and human rights 119. Switzerland stated that its system of direct democracy greatly contributed to a culture of human rights, as it allowed for a permanent public debate on all subjects and 14