A/HRC/26/14 41. Paraguay commended Cyprus for its ratification of OP-CAT, CRPD and OP-CRPD as well as its adoption of legislative measures aimed at promoting equal pay for men and women, and combating racism, xenophobia and human trafficking. It was concerned about reports of the adverse effect of the economic crisis on human rights bodies and of increased discrimination against persons of foreign origin. It made recommendations. 42. The Philippines acknowledged the commitment of Cyprus to safeguarding human rights, despite the difficult economic situation. It welcomed the recognition of irregular migrants and their children as a vulnerable group in order to ensure that they had access to public health services. It was encouraged by measures to ensure irregular migrant children had access to public education. It made recommendations. 43. Portugal welcomed the Government’s commitment to implementing a national insurance system and efforts to combat domestic violence, in particular the adoption of a comprehensive legislative framework, research into domestic violence and the provision of specialized training for the police. It made recommendations. 44. The Republic of Moldova requested information on the impact of measures implemented under the national action plans on preventing and combating domestic violence and on integrating third-country nationals legally residing in Cyprus. It asked about the current status of draft legislation on children’s rights. It welcomed measures and legislation to combat human trafficking. It made recommendations. 45. The Russian Federation noted that, despite the very difficult economic situation, Cyprus continued to take vigorous action to ensure full compliance with all international instruments to which it was a party. It made a recommendation. 46. Serbia noted the strengthening of the Cypriot legal and institutional framework for human rights protection and of the Cypriot independent national human rights institutions. It noted reports of the deplorable condition of religious buildings in the northern part of the island and underlined the need to address such issues as an essential element of reconciliation and respect for the human rights of all people, irrespective of ethnicity. It urged Cyprus to cooperate with OHCHR and support visits by United Nations special procedures mandate holders on internally displaced persons, cultural rights, enforced or involuntary disappearances and the right to education. 47. Slovenia welcomed the ratification of OP-CRC-AC and the enactment of legislation making racist motivation an aggravating circumstance in criminal offences. It also noted the recommendation of the Anti-Discrimination Body to introduce legislation against homophobic speech. It made a recommendation. 48. Spain commended Cyprus for its amendment of the Law on Combating of Trafficking and Exploitation of Persons and the Protection of Victims, which had enhanced the protection of workers from third countries. It made recommendations. 49. Sri Lanka welcomed efforts to incorporate human rights in school curricula, including through teacher training on managing diversity and combating discrimination, and the timely new policy on multicultural education. It also welcomed steps to grant free health services, notwithstanding budgetary restrictions, and efforts to protect the rights of migrants, including cooperation with IOM. It made a recommendation. 50. The State of Palestine welcomed the steps taken by the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance to reduce the wage gap between men and women. It commended Cyprus for taking action to prevent and combat human trafficking, including the provision of training for police officers under the framework of the National Action Plan against Trafficking in Human Beings, which had been achieved despite economic difficulties. It made recommendations. 8