A/HRC/32/8 19. The Minister went on to address the issue of terrorism, a global phenomenon that had reached a scale never seen before. Belgium had not been spared: the first attack committed in Europe by a jihadist returning from Syria had taken place in Brussels in 2014. Numerous provisions to combat terrorism had been in force in Belgium for several years. In 2006, a national action plan had been adopted to combat radicalization, which was currently under review. Strengthening measures to combat radicalism formed a key part of the 2014 Government Agreement. A comprehensive and integrated stance had been taken, based on close cooperation among the various stakeholders, improved information sharing and a combination of administrative and judicial approaches. In 2015, the Government had approved two sets of new measures to combat radicalization. These measures were of both a preventive and a repressive nature. Upstream, the Government was making every effort to ensure that all Belgian citizens felt involved and efforts were ongoing in the education sector in that regard. Downstream, the State had to ensure public security in the face of the terrorist threat. Belgium remained willing to assume its responsibilities in this context and would continue to do so, in accordance with its international human rights commitments. 20. In conclusion, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and European Affairs emphasized the long tradition of collaboration between successive Belgian Governments and civil society. The Belgian authorities regularly consulted and listened to civil society. The report for universal periodic review had been circulated among civil society organizations, which had made detailed, critical comments on several issues contained therein and had highlighted the progress that were still needed in Belgium in terms of human rights. While collaboration had been intensive, there was always room for improvement. Having taken note of the comments made by civil society on the Belgian approach towards the preparation of its report for universal periodic review, the Government was determined to work with all relevant authorities on measures to further refine the process in the future. In the follow-up to the session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, it would certainly engage in a constructive dialogue with civil society. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 21. During the interactive dialogue, 100 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 22. Togo welcomed the ratification by Belgium of several international instruments as well as the measures taken to combat racism and discrimination. 23. Tunisia welcomed the adoption of policies and measures to prosecute acts of discrimination and hate-related violence. It also encouraged Belgium to continue its efforts in favour of official development assistance. 24. Turkey expressed concern about the rise of Islamophobic acts and noted that religious freedom for Muslims was limited at school, at work and in administration. 25. While acknowledging the efforts undertaken, Ukraine encouraged Belgium to take further measures, in cooperation with civil society, to monitor and implement the recommendations of the universal periodic review. 26. The United Arab Emirates commended Belgium for its promotion of the rights of vulnerable groups. It expressed concern about reports of religious discrimination and Islamophobia. 27. The United Kingdom encouraged Belgium to expedite the process of the establishment of a national human rights institution. 6 GE.16-05884