A/HRC/17/8 71. Bosnia and Herzegovina praised Austria for its overall humanitarian supports and care for numerous refugees who had found shelter there. It noted that one of Austria’s State priorities was the fight against xenophobia, racism and stereotyping and that Austria had developed a national action plan against human trafficking. In this regard, it asked Austria to share information on the cooperation with other countries in the region. It made recommendations. 72. Ghana commended Austria for strengthening human rights institutions by establishing an Independent Human Rights Advisory Board. It noted that the situation of women in Austria revealed deficits in attaining the actual equality of women and men in many areas. It asked about the status of the implementation of a National Action Plan for the Equality of Women and Men in the Labour Market. Ghana made recommendations. 73. Israel praised Austria for its contributions to the work of the Council, its commitment to promote human rights and its development cooperation. However, it was concerned about incidents of anti-Semitism, and expressed hope that with the creation of a National Action Plan and the enforcement of sanctions the recurrence of such incidents would decrease. Israel made recommendations. 74. The Netherlands noted that Austria was a keen supporter of the United Nations system. It welcomed Austria’s commitment to equality and non-discrimination, including on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, although the Act on Registered Partnership maintained discrimination to some extent. The Netherlands echoed concerns by the Committee against Torture on the high level of impunity in cases of police brutality. Netherlands made recommendations. 75. Norway stated that the Austrian anti-discrimination legislation appeared fragmented and confusing. It was also concerned about reports of impunity in cases of police brutality. Norway welcomed Austria’s commitment to the protection of people seeking refuge within its borders, however, it discouraged the use of detention-like facilities for the accommodation of asylum-seekers. Norway made recommendations. 76. Italy commended Austria’s cooperative approach with civil society and expressed its appreciation for the outstanding quality of relations between the two countries. 77. Trinidad and Tobago noted the inclusion of human rights education in the curriculum of Austrian schools as well as the introduction of mandatory human rights training for police officers, judges and public prosecutors. It also commended Austria’s efforts to protect persons with disabilities. It stated that a great deal of work was still needed to remove the unequal treatment of women at work. Trinidad and Tobago noted Austria’s efforts to fight against racism and xenophobia. It made recommendations. 78. Germany asked why Austria had not established a national human rights institution based on the Paris Principles. It welcomed a National Action Plan for Integration and requested information on teaching of German language to immigrants. It also inquired about steps Austria might have taken to investigate cases of death and alleged abuse in police custody after the Human Rights Committee had expressed concern in 2007. Germany made a recommendation. 79. Australia welcomed Austria’s fight against xenophobia and racism, training of public officials and investigation of allegations of discrimination. Australia encouraged Austria to broaden the mandate of the Ombudsman Board and to strengthen the independence of the Human Rights Advisory Board. Australia welcomed Austria’s role in highlighting human rights issues during its term in the Security Council. Australia made recommendations. 80. China commended Austria for the progress made in areas such as gender equality, the rights of people with disabilities and counteracting human trafficking. It noted Austria’s 11