A/HRC/15/13 highlighted the life sentence for “honour crimes” now included in the law. Tunisia made a recommendation. 28. Switzerland acknowledged that the Turkish delegation had addressed questions sent in advance. It mentioned that allegations of torture and other ill treatment remained frequent. Articles 301 and 318 of the Penal Code legitimized acts of harassment and persecution of human rights defenders. It made recommendations. 29. Lebanon underscored Turkey’s decision to issue a standing invitation to special procedures and noted Criminal Code reforms, exemplifying a strategy for improving the judicial system. Lebanon asked about measures to create an independent human rights institution and highlighted efforts to promote women’s rights and address domestic violence. 30. Italy commended efforts to reform the legal system, including the abolition of the death penalty, and encouraged continuing the zero-tolerance policy against torture and the promotion of women’s rights. Italy welcomed Turkey’s pledges and commitments regarding freedom of religion. It made a recommendation. 31. Bahrain welcomed the legal reform undertaken since 2001 to adjust national legislation to international human rights law. It noted recent steps taken to establish an independent national human rights institution. Bahrain expressed its will to benefit from Turkish experience in the area of human rights. It made a recommendation. 32. Denmark inquired how Turkey planned to prevent acts of torture and ill treatment, which remained frequent despite efforts to the contrary, and requested further information about measures taken to ensure the rights of ethnic and religious groups, in particular nonMuslim religious communities. Denmark made recommendations. 33. Kyrgyzstan acknowledged Turkey’s contribution in promoting security and safety in the region. Kyrgyzstan highlighted its robust policies to combat child labour and the attention devoted to education, the protection of children, gender equality and women’s rights. Kyrgyzstan made recommendations. 34. Somalia acknowledged the inclusive consultative process carried out during the preparation of the national report and the priority placed by the Government on human rights since 2001. It mentioned several national plans as examples and encouraged the development of the road map on asylum and migration. It recognized the Government of Turkey for having hosted the international conference on Somalia from 21 to 23 May 2010. 35. Responding to questions, Turkey noted the constitutional safeguards regarding the prohibition of discrimination, which were construed to include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. The right to freedom of assembly for such persons was confirmed by case law of supreme courts, and all hate crimes were considered unacceptable, including those on grounds of sexual identity. 36. In order to ensure equality in practice, Turkey collaborated with representatives of, inter alia, the Alevis and the Roma, and was reviewing the curriculums in order to eliminate any discriminatory items. 37. Various dialects and languages traditionally used were taught in private courses and at newly founded university departments, and broadcasts in languages such as Kurdish and Arabic were available. 38. With the Lausanne Peace Treaty, Turkey had assumed responsibility for the protection of non-Muslim citizens as minorities. Any ethnic, racial, linguistic or other groups were not recognized as such. Minorities benefited from positive discrimination, including teaching in mother tongue in minority schools. The new Law on Foundations had 6