A/HRC/22/11 development. Aware of the dangers which extremist ideologies could engender, Switzerland had initiated a national research programme on the extreme right, the results of which had been published in 2010. 16. Although the number of incidents of police brutality of a racist nature had risen in recent years, the number remained relatively low. In order to obtain their licence, police officers had to pass an exam on ethics and human rights. In addition to existing training in human rights, trainings in intercultural understanding and diversity had been instituted for police personnel. Later, the delegation emphasized that ombudspersons and mediation services to deal with cases of police violence existed in several cantons. 17. Concerning human trafficking and sexual exploitation, a national information and prevention campaign had been conducted in 2008, and cooperation agreements to facilitate the identification and protection of victims as well as the prosecution of perpetrators had been concluded with 13 cantons in 2011. In addition, a law for the protection of witnesses had been adopted. Later, it emphasized the national action plan against human trafficking adopted in October 2012, which focused on prevention, criminal proceedings, protection of victims and partnerships. 18. Regarding fundamental freedoms, Switzerland emphasized the existing diversity of religions and efforts to ensure the peaceful coexistence of the different religious communities, without discrimination or exclusion. Concerning the popular initiative on the prohibition of the construction of minarets, the delegation emphasized that the ban touched on neither existing minarets nor on the construction of new places of worship and that freedom of religion is guaranteed. Since 2009, the federal authorities had engaged in dialogue with the Muslim population with a view to addressing fears and preconceptions. 19. Further to several milestones it celebrated in 2011 concerning gender equality, Switzerland emphasized its efforts with regard to the principle of equal wages, in the area of domestic violence, the prohibition of forced marriages and female genital mutilation. 20. Regarding children and youths, Switzerland noted that it had signed, in 2010, the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and submitted reports under the optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). It had also taken steps nationally to strengthen legislative and practical measures for the protection of children, including on the aspects of international child abduction or protection against cybercrime, and to take account more fully of the particularities of children during civil procedures or in the juvenile justice system. Switzerland reaffirmed that corporal punishment of children in school was prohibited in all Cantons and, later, highlighted programmes in place to prevent the suicide of youth. 21. Concerning persons with disabilities, Switzerland highlighted existing national legislation and policy measures, and progress achieved in eliminating inequalities, including with regard to access to buildings, public transport and other services. The ratification of the United Nations convention in this area was under way. 22. Furthermore, the delegation noted that measures would also be taken in the coming years to improve the legal framework for same sex couples. Starting 2013, registered partnerships would have the same rights as married couples with respect to name. In addition, conditions for the changing of name, sex or civil status would be relaxed. 23. In relation to national minorities, the delegation highlighted important improvements concerning linguistic minorities, but acknowledged that the question of places of stay and transit for travellers remained a delicate subject of discussion. 24. In line with its humanitarian tradition, Switzerland aimed to pursue a welcoming migration policy, offering good conditions for regular migrants and a functioning asylum system. The ongoing public debate in this area had to be seen in the context of the 5