A/HRC/8/42 Page 13 measures to eliminate gender discrimination. It noted the well- documented cases of abuses by national security forces that seem to go unpunished, and asked for further elaboration on measures to combat impunity for the security forces. Sweden expressed the wish to see recommendations to the Government in both of these areas. 69. Referencing concerns raised by CEDAW and CERD, Germany noted Pakistani laws discriminate against women and the influence of non-State actors undermining the enjoyment of women’s rights and enquired what measures Pakistan will take to address theses issues. Germany recommended that Pakistan undertake a comprehensive review and revision of discriminatory legislation to achieve compliance with obligations under CEDAW. Noting concerns raised about the situation in prisons, particularly regarding facilities for female detainees and their children, juveniles, “under-trial prisoners”, medical facilities and overcrowding, Germany inquired about measures to protect prisoner rights. Regarding Jum’a Sermons in Pakistani mosques being used to incite hatred and violence against various groups, Germany enquired about the measures Pakistan has taken to ensure respect for the law banning incitement to hatred. 70. Morocco welcomed progress made in regard to education, health, employment and women’s protection, as well as efforts for other vulnerable groups, including children and the disabled. It noted that the creation of district committees for interfaith harmony is a measure that should be encouraged as a good practice. Morocco encouraged Pakistan to make progress regarding the ratification of ICESCR, the signature of ICCPR and of the 1951 Refugee Convention. Morocco also supported Pakistan’s implicit request for international assistance for social sector programmes and requested information on the implementation of a national institution for human rights in Pakistan. 71. Ireland noted with satisfaction the release of human rights defenders detained during the state of emergency and commitments to establish an independent national human rights commission, and expressed the wish that the commission be compliant with the Paris Principles. Noting that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders requested an invitation, Ireland recommended that Pakistan invite the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to conduct an independent visit; to effectively address the repressive effect of civil society monitoring procedures and anti-terrorism legislation on the operation of human rights defenders; and to combat impunity for attacks on human rights defenders, by effectively investigating allegations and by prosecuting those responsible. 72. Bhutan noted Pakistan’s progress towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals in the education and health sectors. Noting Pakistan’s terrain and remote populations, Bhutan enquired how geography has posed a challenge to meeting the Pakistani people’s infrastructure needs and how the international community can support these efforts. 73. Sri Lanka indicated that it has a clear understanding of the Pakistani situation and roots of extremism and terrorism that have threatened Pakistan, which were the by-product of external factors. 74. Romania asked about intended steps to take to ensure effective implementation of commitments stemming from ICCPR, ICESCR and CAT. Noting reports of growing pressure from the Executive over the Judiciary, recommended Pakistan to ensure the independence of the judiciary, including through the establishment of strict rules and through a clear mechanism concerning the appointment and dismissal of judges. 75. While noting that Pakistan hosts one of the largest refugee populations, Nigeria welcomed that it has generally respected international protection principles, despite not being a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention. Nigeria invited Pakistan to share details about its plan to construct one million housing units per year.