A/HRC/8/31 Page 6 20. Belgium noted the progress made by the Netherlands, in particular regarding the gender perspective and activities designed to provide greater opportunities to women of ethnic minorities. It welcomed the opening of a network of local offices to combat discrimination. Belgium requested information on work under way to set up a national human rights institution and how tasks will be divided between this institution and existing mechanisms. 21. The Holy See expressed its grave concern regarding reports that newborn handicapped infants have their lives ended by medical personnel. It raised the following questions: does the Netherlands recognize that the newborn child has rights under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and that the newborn needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection, before as well as after birth? The Holy See concluded that the best way to respect the human rights of the child starts with the rejection of any forcible termination of his/her life, and with the recognition that the right to life is inviolable. 22. France invited the Netherlands to provide explanations regarding significant discrimination of immigrants, which continues to exist despite efforts already undertaken, especially in areas such as sports, leisure, employment and housing. With respect to the burning down of an asylum-seeker’s home in 2005, which killed 11 people, France requested information on measures adopted to enhance the personal safety of asylum-seekers. Noting that the Netherlands has signed the Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, France recommended that it ratify the Convention as soon as possible. 23. By quoting a recent poll indicating support among the Dutch society for the reinstatement of the death penalty, Egypt asked what steps the Government intends to take to respond to such a popular demand. Egypt recommended that the Government initiate a debate on this issue, with a view to reaching conclusions consistent with international human rights law. Egypt recommended that the legality of prostitution be reconsidered given its impact on the realization of a whole range of rights; first and foremost, the fact that prostitution constitutes a flagrant violation of women’s right to dignity. Egypt enquired about steps taken by the Government to stem a recent trend to exploit the phenomenon of migration for political gains and recommended that, consistent with the relevant obligations under international human rights law, a mechanism be established with a view to verifying that political parties and social institutions do not adopt racist or xenophobic programmes. With reference to the recent court ruling on statements made by the producer of the film “Fitna” not qualifying these as illegal hate speech but as being protected by the freedom to expression, Egypt recommended that Dutch lawmakers discharge their responsibility under ICCPR, in particular with regard to the prohibition of incitement to hatred by law, and enacting the necessary restrictions to protect the rights of others. Finally, with a view to helping to address the aforementioned problems, Egypt recommended that the Netherlands accede to the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (ICRMW). 24. Canada requested further information on how the new programme “Dealing with Domestic Violence” will address concerns expressed by both the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Special Rapporteur on violence against women in respect of the persistence of violence against women, including domestic violence. Canada recommended continuing efforts to intensify the investigation and prosecution of racial hatred and related violence through criminal legal proceedings and other measures. 25. The United States of America referred to a recent poll suggesting that parts of the Dutch society have negative views of Islam. It further noted that Dutch Muslims often feel compelled to defend themselves against prejudices regarding their poor integration, a high level of criminal