A/HRC/8/28 Page 8 endeavours to improve the human rights situation in the country. It noted the successful implementation of several programmes and requested additional information on the Government’s strategy on female empowerment and challenges encountered in this regard. 23. Turkey congratulated the Philippines on its systematic, comprehensive and informative country report with thorough analysis of roadmap for international cooperation. It also commended on the extensive programme for promotion and protection in a multi-linguistic, multiethnic, and geographically dispersed country. Turkey noted with interest that community-based (Village Justice System) or traditional dispute resolution systems are recognized as legal dispute settlement mechanisms. It asked for further details on the effectiveness of this system and how the uniformity of the justice system is ensured in the country. In the national report the Philippines mentioned the need for the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework to integrate the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in the national legal system for the promotion of gender equality and women’s rights. Turkey asked the delegation to elaborate on their expectations from the international community, if any, in assisting efforts to address the challenges faced in providing the full enjoyment of women’s rights. 24. The Holy See expressed its appreciation to the Philippines for taking the lead in inter-religious dialogue. It enquired how the human rights of Filipino migrant workers (up to 10 per cent of the population) and of their families are protected. It further noted that the Philippines has abolished the death penalty and aims at a consistent protection of the right to life. In this regard, the Holy See recommended the complete elimination of torture and extrajudicial killings, and the protection of children in the womb, notwithstanding undue pressure from certain groups. 25. Italy congratulated the Philippines for its very comprehensive report and the high degree of commitment and transparency with which it has undertaken the UPR exercise. It asked for further details on national efforts to integrate CEDAW into domestic legislation through a “Magna Carta of Women” bill, and recommended the establishment of an organic legal framework to eliminate gender-based discrimination and to promote gender equality. It also recommended that the Philippines address legislative gaps in the field of children’s rights in order to fully comply with the 2005 recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child. It requested further details on steps taken to integrate human rights education into the school system. 26. France congratulated the Philippines for its precise report and appreciated its commitment to human rights. It also noted the cases of forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, which mostly affect journalists and human rights defenders, and it observed that they are numerous, and that the number of resolved cases remains low. It asked what follow-up the Government has provided to recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions. It further asked what measures are taken to prevent recruitment and to assist the rehabilitation of children in armed movements and about the results of the programmes since 2001 to assist the integration of these children. Finally, France asked if the Government planned to increase the resources of the Commission on Human Rights, as emphasized by the Committee on the Rights of the Child. 27. Thailand thanked for the well-prepared report and the candour of the presentation. It highlighted economic, social, cultural and political progress made by the Philippines, and believes that it is at the forefront in its commitment to strengthen engagement with the Human Rights Council. Thailand hoped to see this cooperation strengthened and enhanced, including with special procedures. It also commended its active role both regionally - in the impetus towards the establishment of an ASEAN human rights body - and internationally, in particular regarding the ICRMW.