A/HRC/14/14 governmental institutions and ICRC. The Government, in cooperation with UNOPS, had supported three rehabilitation centres for victims of torture, and the law enabled victims to seek financial compensation. With support from the United Nations and the European Union, the justice network for prisoners had been created and was the first independent network of civil society organizations aimed at strengthening the independent monitoring of the human rights situation. 50. Austria welcomed the ratification of the two Optional Protocols to CRC and recalled the overdue reports under CRC and CEDAW. Children and women had been particularly affected by the general situation and, particularly, by “honour crimes”. It expressed concern at the indications that courts were failing to meet minimum fair-trial standards. Austria made recommendations. 51. The Netherlands commended Iraq’s ratifications of ICCPR, ICERD and CEDAW. It expressed serious concern about judgements imposing the death penalty, including for ordinary crimes. It noted reports about instances of due process not being observed, the possible use of torture and the existence of unofficial detention centres. It noted that “honour killings” still occurred. It noted indications by UNAMI that a number of homosexuals had been assassinated. The Netherlands made recommendations. 52. Kazakhstan encouraged Iraq to continue to strengthen peace and promote democracy and national unity. Kazakhstan welcomed the establishment of a Ministry of Human Rights, cited the high level of women’s participation and representation in elected positions and was pleased to note Iraq’s steps to promote social, economic and cultural rights. Kazakhstan made recommendations. 53. Japan hoped that the High Commission for Human Rights would begin to take effective action. It expected additional mechanisms for the return of internally displaced persons and refugees. It stated that budget constraints and a lack of personnel had prevented the Ministry of Women’s Affairs from functioning. It welcomed efforts to improve the situation of detention centres. Japan made recommendations. 54. Poland expressed concern with regard to the rights of religious minorities. UNAMI had received reports that Christians were being threatened, attacked and, in some cases, murdered by armed groups. The Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief noted that indicating one’s religious affiliation on official documents entailed a serious risk of abuse or discrimination. Poland asked about steps aimed at combating intolerance and acts of violence motivated by intolerance. It made recommendations. 55. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya noted that Iraq was party to most human rights and ILO conventions. It noted that during the past century, the school system had been among the best. It made recommendations. 56. Switzerland acknowledged the security constraints faced and the difficulties encountered in normalizing the security institutions and the judicial system. It highlighted improvements, in particular in the area of federalism. It noted the increase in the use of the death penalty and in the number of executions. There is a need to carry out investigations and punish those responsible for attacks against minorities, women, human rights defenders and journalists. Switzerland made recommendations. 57. Bosnia and Herzegovina inquired about civil society’s role in the preparation of the national report. It expressed concern at the fact that judges and lawyers were being threatened for having practised their profession. It noted that journalists, labour leaders and human rights defenders were exposed to serious threats, and asked about steps to prevent such violations. It noted that challenges had to be fought under extreme insecurity. Bosnia and Herzegovina made recommendations. 9