A/HRC/25/15 raised by several States, including Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Thailand and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 73. Israel has taken the utmost precautions in handling cases of crime perpetrated by minors, which presented a specific set of challenges. Israeli authorities had to balance the need to deal with serious, life-threatening crimes, often instigated or encouraged by terrorist organizations, and the lack of cooperation from Palestinian authorities, which led to a lack of alternatives to arrest and an environment of hostility towards the Israeli authorities, with a fundamental need to act compassionately in accordance with the relevant international standards. 74. All aspects of the criminal process were conducted according to clear and published procedures and were frequently subject to judicial review. Throughout the process minors were informed of their rights and had a right to legal representation. 75. In the past years an extensive and ongoing review of the criminal law framework applicable in the West Bank had been carried out and had led to substantial amendments, including the raising of the age of majority and the substantial shortening of detention periods, the granting of status to parents during the proceedings, limitation periods for the prosecution of minors and the possibility to order a probation officer’s report following the criminal conviction of a minor. 76. Belgium commended the ratification of the majority of the human rights instruments and asked whether Israel had considered ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (ICCPR-OP 2) and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. 77. Cuba regretted Israel’s lack of cooperation with the Human Rights Council. It referred to Israel as an occupying power violating international law. 78. Brazil acknowledged some important progress in realizing human rights, but expressed concern about settler violence against Palestinian civilians. 79. Canada welcomed the participation of Israel and, referring to the section on minority rights in the national report, asked about further developments towards equality, participation in public life, and fair provision of public services and infrastructure since the first UPR of Israel. 80. Chile reiterated the need to put an end to acts of violence and economic deprivation affecting the Palestinian population. Chile called on Israel to end all expansion of settlements. 81. China called for the release all Palestinian prisoners and the improvement of their living conditions. It also expressed hope that Israel would lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip as soon as possible. 82. Costa Rica noted the ratification of CRPD. In relation to the Palestinians and the occupied Palestinian territories it called on Israel to respect international humanitarian law. 83. The Plurinational State of Bolivia noted that Israel had re-established its commitment to the UPR, albeit with a delay. 84. Cyprus commended several aspects of human rights protection in Israel. It urged all interested parties to refrain from actions that could undermine the negotiation process between Israel and the Palestinians. 85. The Czech Republic expressed concern over the continued discrimination against minorities, referring particularly to the situation of the Bedouins. 9