A/HRC/13/5 55. The Netherlands thanked Norway for its important contribution to the protection and promotion of human rights. The Netherlands referred to the situation of detainees in pretrial detention, human trafficking and the rights of minorities and made recommendations. 56. Portugal attached great importance to the promotion of economic and social rights and made a related recommendation. Regarding the situation of juveniles serving prison sentences along with adults, Portugal welcomed Norway’s intention to establish separate prison units for young offenders and made a recommendation. Portugal stated that the enactment of parity laws, the creation of an enabling environment for men’s participation in family life and the 2003 Act regarding gender balance on company boards, are but a few of the best practices Norway has given the world. 57. Norway noted that hate crimes must be handled with great seriousness. Crimes will be considered as attended by aggravating circumstances if the offence is motivated by religion, national or ethnic origin, homosexual orientation, reduced physical or psychological ability or other circumstances. The police have since 2006 registered reports on hate crimes, resulting in better monitoring. In 2009, the parliament decided that the provision that criminalizes blasphemy will not be included in the penal code. Simultaneously, it was decided to strengthen the protection of individuals against being insulted or exposed to hatred or so-called hate speech because of religious belief. Norway added that more than 600 different religious and life stance communities received financial grants in 2008. 58. Norway aims to prevent and eradicate homelessness and new groups are now eligible for housing allowances. Families with children are in a better situation. Special attention is given to persons released from prison or discharged from an institution and measures include young people with immigrant background. 59. An introduction programme for newly arrived immigrants is offered in all municipalities, with Norwegian language training a key part thereof. Measures are being implemented to recruit young people of immigrant origin to upper secondary education and to prevent them from dropping out. Norway also promotes the inclusion of the immigrant population, including young people, into the labour market. The Government stressed its commitment to a close dialogue with the immigrant population. 60. Norway indicated that discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, descent, skin colour, language or religious belief is prohibited in all areas of the society. It also referred to the role of the anti-discrimination ombudsman and the action plan to promote equality and prevent discrimination. 61. Norway will introduce measures regarding pre-trial detention and indicated that the courts are stricter than before with regard to progress in investigations and court hearings where the accused is on remand. Norway has introduced an improved tool for recording statistics on the use of police custody and the results of a survey on remanded detainees will be presented by end 2009. 62. Norway stated that the 34 per cent increase of rape reports in five years does not indicate that the actual number of cases of rape increased, but that more victims are contacting the police. 63. Regarding the legal definition of rape, Norway stressed that Norwegian law criminalizes sexual activity with any person who is unable to resist the act and that gross negligence also constitutes rape. Similarly, engaging in sexual activity with children below the age of 14 will always constitute rape. 64. Norway noted that the act relating to the Ombudsperson for Children clearly states that the work shall be conducted independent of the Government and all national authorities. 9