A/HRC/13/5 23. Sámediggi referred to the follow-up to the report on rights to sea fisheries in the northernmost Sámi areas of Norway and the urgent need for acceptance of the Sámi rights to marine resources. 24. The procedures for consultations gave Sámediggi a better influence on the Government’s policies in Sámi issues. Experiences with the consultation agreement were mixed. There were still challenges regarding traditional Sámi ways of living and industrial developments. 25. Sámediggi expect speedy progress with Sámi rights in the areas south of Finnmark to avoid further loss of lands and resources. 26. Sámediggi are concerned that indigenous peoples be heard at the Copenhagen climate conference. Indigenous peoples are particularly vulnerable in a climate change context. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 27. During the interactive dialogue, 54 delegations made statements. A number of delegations commended Norway for its constructive and self-critical approach and the consultative manner in which the national report was prepared. The recommendations made during the dialogue appear in section II below. 28. Belgium stated that the issue of human rights was undeniably one of the constant pillars of Norwegian policy. Belgium emphasized two inter-related phenomena qualified by Norway as alarming: domestic violence and rape. Belgium asked if Norway could specify the measures it intends to take, the data used by the authorities to develop the national action plan against domestic violence (2008-2011) and the timetable for proposed reforms, and if similar measures were planned for addressing rape. It made a recommendation. 29. Egypt appreciated Norway’s commitment to promote sustainable development, global efforts on human rights and official development assistance. Egypt noted with interest the establishment of institutions in the areas of equality and anti-discrimination. Egypt welcomed the importance attached to the follow-up on United Nations conferences on racism issues and Norway’s role in reaching consensus on the outcome document of the Durban Review Conference. It noted challenges in connection with hate crime, hateful expressions, and discrimination targeting certain minority groups and migrants and made recommendations. 30. Algeria commended Norway on the commitment and particular attention towards development assistance, to which currently one per cent of the GDP is earmarked. It applauded Norway’s decision to cancel the debt of five countries. Algeria congratulated Norway on its ranking in the United Nations human development index and made a number of recommendations. 31. Canada welcomed Norway’s efforts to address ethnic discrimination and domestic violence. However, it noted that some challenges remained and made recommendations to address them. Canada referred to the youth unemployment rate, the secondary school dropout rate and the homelessness rate for persons of an immigrant background. 32. Belarus noted Norway’s very advanced experience in the area of the ombudsman. It welcomed Norway’s efforts to ensure equality of opportunity for women and men and resolve problems of domestic violence. It noted with satisfaction actions to counter trafficking in human beings, particularly the prohibition on purchase of sexual services. Belarus noted that the national action plan will eliminate gaps in providing assistance to victims of trafficking. Belarus shared the opinion in the national report that punishment for sexual crimes, rape and child abuse are not harsh enough. It made recommendations. 5