A/HRC/8/32 Page 9 Government’s strategy to enable the South African population to live together in spite of their differences. 24. Senegal noted South Africa’s efforts to end apartheid and to establish a democratic and multicultural society. It encouraged South Africa to continue this path dedicated to the cause of human rights. Senegal asked if South Africa intends to ratify the ICESCR and the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Member of Their Families (ICRMW). 25. Cuba noted that South Africa is an icon in the long struggle of humanity against discrimination and inequality. South Africa of today has nothing to do with the unworthy regime of apartheid, after which South Africa became free and democratic, and is a point of reference for all those who still struggle for justice and freedom. Cuba is well aware of the enormous achievements of South Africa, its tireless efforts for equality, integration and development. It is well aware, too, of South Africa’s challenges, many of which are shared by all developing countries, in the context of an international economic order which is unjust and unequal. 26. The Russian Federation noted the changes that have taken place since apartheid was abolished and noted South Africa’s efforts to build a democratic, multicultural society. It also noted the efforts to eliminate racial segregation and discrimination. Russia welcomed the measures of the Government on preventing torture and for the proper treatment of persons in detention. It noted as an important step the establishment of the Independent Directorate for Complaints, which, in their understanding, will have full authorization to investigate cases of torture. Russia requested more information on the results of its work and if it has contributed to the prevention and eradication of this torture. 27. Egypt recognized that the South African democracy is relatively young, and that over a period of 350 years, South Africans were subjected to successive repressive regimes ranging from conquests, colonialism to apartheid, which is the worst form of institutionalized racism and racial discrimination. It welcomed the numerous legislative measures taken to build a democratic and multicultural society, to achieve necessary social healing and to effectively combat segregation and racial discrimination. It expressed interest to learn more about the measures and policies taken by South Africa to rectify the inherited socio-economic inequalities, in the framework of a truly admirable spirit of social harmony and national reconciliation. 28. The delegation of South Africa responded to the questions raised during the interactive dialogue. In reference to the many questions raised about racism and that racist attitudes that still exist in South Africa, the delegation acknowledged that some remnants of attitudes from the colonialist and apartheid era linked to racial superiority remained in South Africa, as no country can be expected to easily reverse 300 years of repression and apartheid in 14 years. Measures taken to address this issue include the Equality Courts established within the mandate of the South African Human Rights Commission, which can hear complaints relating to discrimination and were designed to be accessible to all, acting without a lawyer. There were also specific initiatives in the workplace to protect women and persons with disabilities so as to ensure that they are not discriminated against. The Government is primarily ensuring the achievement of equality in society through legal and policy-oriented measures, including opportunities to apply for employment and to be treated fairly. In addition, lending facilities have been established to access loans for housing, including low-cost housing. Regarding questions and allegations of torture, South Africa has ratified CAT and has adopted the Policy on the Prevention of Torture and Treatment of Persons in Custody of the Police, including Standing Orders. The aim is to provide both for prompt steps to be taken so that complaints about torture are investigated by an independent complaints directorate and