A/HRC/13/5 33. France applauded Norway’s resolve and success in promoting gender equality and women’s rights. It noted, however, that violence against women is alarming, particularly the increase in rape over the last five years and whether it is related to the increase of reported cases. France asked what measures are taken to remedy this situation as well as more information about the institutional factor related to Norway’s culture and explain that gender equality is not yet achieved. It enquired about the status regarding Norway’s intention to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. 34. Turkey noted that Norway’s national report provided a sincere account of the challenges facing the country in combating racial discrimination. It welcomed measures taken to improve the living conditions of immigrants, while noting concerns expressed in recent reports. Turkey, while understanding the priority given to Norwegian language education for children with an immigrant background, encouraged Norway to put an emphasis on mother-tongue education by competent language teachers. 35. Pakistan took due note of the strong role played by an independent judiciary, the Astatus accreditation of the Centre for Human Rights and an active civil society. It asked how the action plan for integration for immigrants caters to ensuring preservation of the cultural and religious identities of diverse migrant groups. It appreciated the strengthening of provisions in the Penal Code concerning hateful expressions. However, the removal of the provision concerning prosecution for blasphemy represented a selective and hierarchical approach. With religious intolerance and discrimination on the increase, Pakistan asked how Norway would respond to a withdrawal of this provision. Pakistan asked about Norway’s reasons for not signing ICRMW. 36. Brazil commended Norway for establishing, as early as in 1981, an Ombudsperson for Children and, more recently, an Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombudsman. Brazil commented on Norway’s recognition that there are challenges in a number of areas such as hate crimes targeting minority groups and discriminatory police stops of persons and made a number of recommendations. 37. The Russian Federation stated that documents submitted confirmed its thorough conviction that Norway has an exceedingly high level of protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It noted difficulties faced by migrants, particularly relating to access to education and the labour and housing markets and made a recommendation in that regard. It noted that Norway answered to only four of the 15 thematic questionnaires received from special procedures, and made a recommendation in that regard. 38. Chile congratulated Norway on the legislation on equality and anti-discrimination, particularly in enforcing equality of rights and opportunities for all and the creation of the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombudsman and the Gender Equality Board of Appeals. Chile commended Norway’s leadership in the pursuit of effective equality between men and women. Chile referred to Norway’s 1978 law that explicitly prohibits gender-based discrimination and underscored Norway’s active role in the Human Rights Council on different issues, particularly gender equality. Chile made a number of recommendations. 39. Denmark welcomed efforts to recognize Sámi rights in legislation and was concerned about the practical implementation of the action plan for the Sámi languages. It enquired about measures taken concerning the special situation of the East Sámi in consultations with the community. It asked about Sámi teaching materials, personnel and institutions. Denmark made a related recommendation. 40. The United States of America noted the actions taken to confront the problem of ethnic discrimination and racism. It referred to the reports of the Norwegian Ombudsman for Children that adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds feel stigmatized by and lack trust in the police and made a recommendation to address this issue. Note was also 6