A/HRC/13/15 Following the amendment of the family code, eliminating corporal punishment and degrading treatment of children, Costa Rica further informed of other efforts in this regard. 40. Since the ratification of ILO Convention No. 169 in 1993, Costa Rica has worked towards fulfilling the rights of indigenous populations. Article 76 of the Constitution stipulates that the State shall maintain and promote the national indigenous languages. There are 313 educational institutions in indigenous communities and the coverage of health services has been increased. Costa Rica also referred to the Extramuros Programme, which provides food and milk to indigenous children. In addition, Costa Rica reported on the establishment of electoral and civil services in some indigenous communities, as well as the establishment of the Commission on Indigenous Electoral Affairs. Costa Rica further reported on the establishment of the Fiscalía of Indigenous Affairs in 2009, and on the Autonomous Development of Indigenous Peoples Bill, which aims at improving the legal framework for the protection and development of indigenous people. 41. With regard to racial discrimination, the delegation highlighted the inclusive nature of the Costa Rican State which makes no distinction based on ethnic, culture, race or religious origin, or on any other grounds. There is no judicial record of acts of hatred, so no legislation in this respect is deemed necessary. Costa Rica has expressed its commitment to ratify the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of Diversity in the Cultural Expressions and is planning a forum to follow up on the Durban review conference, as well as to comply with all international obligations in this regard. 42. Costa Rica further noted that it seeks to fight all forms of discrimination, including discrimination based on sexual orientation. 17 May was declared as the National Day against Homophobia. The delegation also referred to improvements in human rights training to protect vulnerable groups, including lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals. 43. With regard to persons with disabilities, Costa Rica noted that it has a law on Equal Opportunities for Disabled Persons which was enacted in 1996 and it ratified in 2008 the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol. Costa Rica reported on efforts to facilitate the political participation of persons with disabilities in the forthcoming national elections in 2010. 44. Sweden welcomed the 2008 amendment to the Family Code to completely prohibit violence against women, although violence against children still occurs. While welcoming efforts made in this regard, Sweden relayed concerns expressed at the persistence of trafficking in persons. It noted that relevant Costa Rican legislation rather focused on international trafficking than on internal trafficking. Sweden expressed concerns regarding organised crime, impunity and labour rights. Sweden formulated recommendations. 45. Italy noted that it was one of the first countries to abolish capital punishment. It noted legislation to criminalise violence against women. However, it noted that problems in its implementation were reported. It welcomed initiatives to punish human trafficking and the National Development Plan. Italy made recommendations. 46. France asked more information on discrimination against migrants and the measures taken in this regard as well as on measures adopted to combat child labour, trafficking in children and child prostitution. France stated that nobody had been sentenced for torture although this is a crime since 2001. It welcomed the support by Costa Rica to the resolution of the Organisation of American States on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity. France made recommendations. 47. Uruguay noted that Costa Rica was a middle income developing country having difficulties in acceding to international aid for the implementation of national programs and noted that these efforts had been undertaken through public resources. Uruguay highlighted new legislation on children’s rights, particularly in the National Plan to Combat 8