A/HRC/26/14 51. Sweden observed that there was a heightened risk of inequality owing to the economic crisis. Noting reports of violations of the rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, Sweden asked how Cyprus ensured that local authorities and the police respected the basic human rights of those groups. It recalled its advance question on steps taken to protect guest workers, who were at risk of labour exploitation and sexual abuse. It made recommendations. 52. Thailand encouraged Cyprus to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure. It welcomed the recent appointment of the Commissioner for Humanitarian Issues to promote cooperation between the State and religious minority groups, and encouraged the Commissioner to ensure access to education for minorities. It welcomed advances in women’s rights and gender equality, but remained concerned about reports of the trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and inequalities in access to health care. It made recommendations. 53. Bulgaria noted that Cyprus had ratified OP-CRC-AC, that the Ministry of Labour had taken initiatives to reduce the gender wage gap and that the Government had taken steps to ensure access to the labour market for persons with disabilities. It requested further information on policy measures to promote the right to education. It made a recommendation. 54. The United Arab Emirates commended the Government for its determination to continue its coordinated efforts to ensure full compliance with all international human rights instruments to which Cyprus was a party and to safeguard the human rights of all people in Cyprus, notwithstanding the economic crisis. It made a recommendation. 55. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland encouraged Cyprus to guarantee the operational independence and financial autonomy of the Ombudsman. It was concerned about reports about the treatment of prisoners and of discrimination against LGBT persons. It suggested that measures should be taken to enable Turkish Cypriots to participate effectively in cultural, social and economic life and public affairs. It made recommendations. 56. The United States of America, while commending Cyprus for its efforts to address trafficking in persons through cooperation with non-governmental organizations, expressed concern at the lack of a formal mechanism to identify and refer victims to appropriate services. It referred to complaints of exploitation of domestic and agricultural workers, and to reports of some migrants’ difficult detention conditions. It made recommendations. 57. Uruguay welcomed the additional provision in the Criminal Code to the effect that racist motivation constituted an aggravating circumstance and the establishment of a national human rights institution. It made recommendations. 58. Uzbekistan expressed concern about reports of racially-motivated verbal abuse and attacks against foreigners, human rights defenders and Turkish Cypriots, and racist discourse in the media. It also noted the vulnerable situation of older women, women with disabilities and domestic workers, and the pay gap between men and women. It made recommendations. 59. Nicaragua applauded the promulgation of new laws, the implementation of national action plans and the establishment of monitoring mechanisms. It encouraged Cyprus to prevent the challenges stemming from the economic crisis from undermining the protection of human rights. It made a recommendation. 60. Viet Nam commended Cyprus for introducing legislative reforms, establishing national human rights monitoring mechanisms, providing support for minority religious groups and taking action against human trafficking. It made recommendations. 9