A/HRC/14/17 expressed concern about persisting discrimination against religious minorities; in particular the Copts. Austria made recommendations. 58. Bhutan asked for additional information on achievements and obstacles in combating female genital mutilation and about measures undertaken to overcome them, and the role of religious establishments on this issue. Bhutan enquired about additional information on the Human Rights Capacity Building Program. Bhutan made recommendations. 59. Canada acknowledged Egypt’s recent progress on human rights. However, it expressed concern about the absence of independent election monitoring and the fact that that the state of emergency has remained in force since 1981. It was also concerned about incidents of physical abuse, including torture by police and security forces, as well as about the condition of religious minorities, and reports of fines, assaults, or imprisonment of journalists and bloggers. Canada made recommendations. 60. Tunisia referred to the comprehensive National Action Plan for Children, which was successful in addressing complex issues, including street children and child labour and asked for more information on efforts to address these two phenomenons. Tunisia made a recommendation. 61. While noting reports on discrimination against religious minorities, Brazil encouraged Egypt to continue its efforts to ensure freedom of religion and belief. Brazil also encouraged Egypt to consider positively issuing a standing invitation for special procedures. It inquired whether Egypt could further comment on its ongoing efforts to harmonize human rights and counter terrorism initiatives. Brazil made recommendations. 62. Venezuela highlighted the policies undertaken by the Government related to the promotion and protection of cultural rights. The delegation made reference to the cultural empowerment of traditionally excluded sectors of the population, by means of access to the public libraries created across the country and through the project “Family Libraries.” Venezuela made a recommendation. 63. Mexico indicated that it is expectant regarding the lifting of the state of emergency announced in the national report. It made recommendations. 64. Pakistan noted the elaborate constitutional and legal framework to ensure human rights. It welcomed the President’s pledge to repeal the existing state of emergency and noted the creation of a national committee to develop a balanced anti-terrorism law. Pakistan asked about the status of the law and timeframe for its adoption. Pakistan noted with appreciation Egypt’s frank acknowledgement on the constraints and challenges faced in protecting human rights. Pakistan made a recommendation. 65. Nigeria commended Egypt for its commitment to the human rights protection, as demonstrated by the ratification of the core United Nations human rights instruments and various regional conventions. It acknowledged the multiple challenges facing Egypt, such as persistent threat of various forms of terrorism, the impact of the global financial and economic crises and the lack of a human rights culture. 66. Chile welcomed the establishment of the human rights institutional framework, as referred to in para. 27 of this report. Chile made recommendations. 67. Ireland noted that journalist and bloggers operate in difficult environment and asked Egypt to advise if amendments to the Press Law and Penal Code were considered. Ireland enquired about steps envisaged to ensure that emergency powers are not used to inhibit freedom of expression. Ireland referred to CEDAW recommendations that Egypt take measures to prevent and eliminate domestic violence, marital rape, violence against women in detention and so called ‘honour crimes’. Ireland made recommendations. 9