A/HRC/22/11 35. Nicaragua recalled that during its first review Switzerland had received several recommendations regarding social challenges such as the situation of migrants, asylum requests and trafficking in persons. It acknowledged the progress achieved in those areas. Nicaragua made recommendations. 36. Nigeria welcomed the ongoing efforts of Switzerland to ensure that popular initiatives to amend the Swiss constitution were more compatible with international law. It also welcomed the establishment of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and commended Switzerland for granting residence permits to individuals whose repatriation would have constituted a violation of the principle of non-refoulement under CAT. It made a recommendation. 37. Norway was concerned at reports of weak institutional guarantees against discrimination and initiatives incompatible with international human rights standards, such as the ban on constructing minarets, and the underrepresentation of women in decisionmaking positions in public office, political parties, the diplomatic service and the judiciary. Norway made recommendations. 38. Pakistan expressed concern that the reputation of Switzerland as an open and tolerant country embracing diversity had been tarnished following the ban on constructing minarets. It was also concerned that no legal measures had been adopted to monitor the activities of political parties promoting racism and intolerance. Pakistan made recommendations. 39. Palestine noted efforts to coordinate measures to prevent racism and xenophobia, but was concerned at negative attitudes of part of the population towards foreigners and minorities. It encouraged Switzerland to continue its efforts to prevent and combat xenophobia. Concerning trafficking of women and girls, it noted the adoption of a comprehensive strategy prevent such crimes and bring to justice those responsible. 40. Paraguay recognized the high degree of human rights protection in Switzerland and acknowledged the ratification of the Optional Protocol to CRC regarding the sale of children. Paraguay also noted the Swiss approach to persons with disabilities. Paraguay made recommendations. 41. The Philippines applauded the adoption of policies and programmes strengthening gender equality and women’s rights in Switzerland. It hailed the approval of the ratification of the European Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. It was concerned that migrants, especially women, remained vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. It made a recommendation. 42. Poland welcomed a revision of the Constitution reinforcing guarantees regarding access to justice and the independence of the judiciary, and the establishment of the National Commission for the Prevention of Torture. It noted, however, a lack of progress in combating racist and xenophobic attitudes. Poland made recommendations. 43. The Republic of Moldova congratulated Switzerland on its mid-term report on the implementation of the recommendations from the first UPR cycle. It wished to know the additional measures undertaken to counteract excessive use of force by the police. It also congratulated Switzerland for the progress made in the fight against domestic violence. It made recommendations. 44. Spain highlighted the Swiss efforts to improve the legislation protecting human rights. It also praised the country’s constructive participation as a member of the Council. Spain made recommendations. 45. The Russian Federation noted with satisfaction the progress made by Switzerland in implementing international obligations on human rights. However, it also noted some 7