A/HRC/13/7 stereotypes continued to be a cause of women’s disadvantaged position, including in the labour market and public life. Canada appreciated the recent efforts to protect the rights of children, notably the creation of the position of Commissioner for the Protection of Children’s Rights, and encouraged Cyprus to continue to ensure the protection of the rights of every child. Canada made recommendations. 41. Egypt noted that strategies, in addition to legislative efforts and policies, have been put in place in particular in the fields of non-discrimination, protecting the rights of women and children and combating trafficking in and exploitation of persons. Egypt asked for more information on the progress achieved in implementing the 2008-2013 National Action Plan for the Prevention and Combating of Violence in the Family, the role, mandate and powers given to the Commissioner for the Protection of Children’s Rights and the achievements of the Office of Combating Human Trafficking established in 2004. It noted the laws and policies dealing with influx of migrants and asked Cyprus to elaborate further on policies and regulations adopted to safeguard the rights of migrants, particularly workers, and those of irregular immigrants. Egypt noted the establishment of the positions of Ombudsman and Commissioner for the Protection of Children’s Rights. Egypt made a recommendation. 42. Brazil commended inter alia the enactment of legislation for the equal treatment of men and women regarding labour rights and on combating trafficking in persons. It noted with concern shortcomings regarding the human rights of migrants and asylum-seekers. It referred to concerns about lengthy detentions of non-nationals in inadequate conditions and the lack of information for detainees on their rights. Brazil noted with concern that Cyprus did not differentiate migrant children regarding access to education, and the request of the Ministry of Education to schools to give immigration authorities contact details of the parents of foreign children enrolled. Brazil highlighted that regularizing their migratory status was an effective way to enable undocumented migrants to enjoy fully their rights. Brazil asked about the practical results of the 2007-2013 National Plan on Gender Equality and the Government’s intention to undertake alternative measures to detention for asylumseekers and irregular migrants. Brazil made recommendations. 43. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was encouraged by the measures taken to address integration of refugees. Recognizing the difficulties experienced by Cyprus owing to its geographic location, the United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to helping Cyprus to combat illegal immigration. The United Kingdom agreed that a number of remaining human rights concerns in Cyprus could be addressed through a comprehensive settlement agreement. It expressed its commitment to supporting the two leaders in their endeavors to achieve one. It recognized the difficulty of the issues facing both sides but stressed that it believed that it was still possible to achieve an early settlement so that benefits could be enjoyed by all Cypriots. The United Kingdom recognized the concerns about ongoing human rights issues arising from the question of disputed property in Cyprus, which reinforced the need for an early settlement ensuring the full rights of the internally displaced persons under a negotiated settlement. It asked for the steps taken to resolve this issue. The United Kingdom made recommendations. 44. Mexico highlighted the important legal and institutional progress regarding gender equality, rights of the child and persons with disabilities, the fight against domestic violence, discrimination and trafficking in persons. Mexico congratulated Cyprus for recognizing outstanding challenges and its readiness to cooperate with the special procedures of the Human Rights Council through the standing invitation extended to all of them. Mexico asked Cyprus about the cooperation it could obtain from relevant international and regional organizations, in particular the Office of the United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the European Union, to tackle the high number of asylum requests and provide every asylum-seeker with the protection required. It asked 8

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