A/HRC/23/3 under the Act were justified by the constitutional principle of secularism and complied with the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. 49. Qatar commended France for its ratification of human rights treaties and protocols, and expressed its hope that the establishment of the Ministry of Women’s Rights and the Defender of Rights would further the protection, promotion, awareness and implementation of human rights. The steps taken to combat stereotypes and prevent discrimination against minority groups were noted. Qatar made a recommendation. 50. The Republic of Korea commended concrete actions to ensure gender equality, including the creation of the Ministry of Women’s Rights and the adoption of the National Plan of Action against Racism and Anti-Semitism. It also noted an increase in racist and xenophobic political speeches since 2008. It made recommendations. 51. The Republic of Moldova welcomed the creation of the ombudsman. It congratulated France on the adoption of measures to promote gender equality, the progress made in combating violence against women and the commitment of France to the protection of children. It made recommendations. 52. Romania welcomed the setting up of a new body responsible for combating discrimination and asked what powers the new body would enjoy with regard to the sanctions for discrimination, beyond the referral of matters to the Office of the Public Prosecutor (ministère public). Romania made a recommendation. 53. The Russian Federation took note of the progress made in recent years regarding the fulfilment by France of its international human rights obligations. It observed, however, that a range of problems persisted in the field of legal protection. The Russian Federation made recommendations. 54. Senegal remarked on the significant progress made in promoting and protecting women’s rights, both in legislation and through the establishment of institutions, such as the Ministry of Women’s Rights. Further efforts were required to meet existing challenges regarding immigration and discrimination. Senegal made a recommendation. 55. Slovakia welcomed the ratification of CRPD, CPED and OP-CAT. It noted in particular the Roma inclusion strategy, the Ministry of Women’s Rights and the amendment granting the right to apply to the Constitutional Council for a ruling on the constitutionality of a law. Slovakia made recommendations. 56. Slovenia noted positive developments in gender equality. Slovenia expressed concern on the high number of severely endangered languages while welcoming the stated intention of France to ratify the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. It asked whether steps had been taken to that effect and about the time frame for such ratification. Slovenia made recommendations. 57. Spain welcomed the establishment of a ministry that focused specifically on women’s rights. It asked what measures were being developed to further promote gender equality and to combat gender-based violence. It expressed concern at reports of poor conditions in detention centres. Spain made recommendations. 58. Sri Lanka welcomed the establishment of the Ministry of Women’s Rights, the launch of a related interministerial plan of action and the introduction of measures to combat unequal remuneration. It noted the national plan of action to combat racism in the period 2012–2014. It made recommendations. 59. The Sudan expressed concerns raised by the treaty bodies, including the Human Rights Committee, about Act No. 2004/228 prohibiting the wearing of overt religious symbols in public schools, which prevented some children who followed those religious customs from attending school. The Sudan made recommendations. 8 GE.13-12484