A/HRC/8/42 Page 17 recommendations made, as well as for the candid criticism. It stated that it could not respond to all questions, some of which require more detailed examination by concerned ministries or departments or parliamentary committees. 104. Regarding cooperation with special procedures, Pakistan stated that it has not been sufficiently engaging with them, and that there are some outstanding requests, notably an expression of intent to visit by the High Commissioner, whom Pakistan will welcome. Pakistan added that it cannot decriminalize pre-marital consensual sex. Further, it stated that it is about to accede to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances. On the issue of security forces, Pakistan stated that there is no impunity. Security forces are trained in international humanitarian law; there is accountability, as civilian and military courts try these forces, if there are any excesses committed. Pakistan stated that prisons do need reforms. The Minister for Human Rights was very active on this issue in the past, insisting on the need for reform and improvement of conditions. Finally, Pakistan noted that refugees are not being returned, that this is a wrong impression. It has a tripartite agreement with UNHCR and Afghanistan, evidencing a coordinated plan of action and strategy that takes care of the voluntary repatriations. 105. In her concluding remarks Ms. Wahab stated Pakistan’s full commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of all its citizens without discrimination being its legal and moral obligation. She acknowledged challenges but expressed resolve and political commitment to overcome them. Touched by the overwhelming participation of Members and Observer States she thanked the participants for suggestions, remarks and recommendations made during the course of the review. She stated that Pakistan attaches the utmost importance to these views and besides giving serious attention to every suggestion made will continue to engage in a constructive manner with all human rights mechanisms. II. CONCLUSIONS AND/OR RECOMMENDATIONS 106. In the course of the discussion, the following recommendations were made to Pakistan: 1. To remove restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and amend legislation that discriminates against persons belonging to minorities (Canada) and effectively protect and satisfy the unimpeded exercise of freedom of religion of non-Muslim citizens (Greece) and the repeal of laws discriminating against non-Muslims, if any (Denmark); 2. To maintain its commitment to overcome barriers associated with deep-rooted tribal and traditional mindsets with regards to women’s rights, (Portugal) that further measures be adopted to overcome stereotypes and to reinforce the implementation of constitutional and legal guarantees with a view to ensuring that all human rights of women are safeguarded throughout its territory, (Austria) and ensure punishment for perpetrators of all violence against women and also thoroughly investigate and punish members and leaders of illegal jirgas for their calls to violence against women (Czech Republic); 3. To continue to spearhead progress toward gender equality and development for women in areas of education and employment (Algeria); 4. To take concrete steps to align the prohibition of discrimination with the prohibition contained in the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (Slovenia), to follow up on the recommendation of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women to withdraw its declaration to the effect that obligations pursuant to CEDAW are subject to the Constitution (Portugal); and undertake a comprehensive review