A/HRC/18/9 as the full enforcement of existing human rights standards to which Latvia is a party. Mexico made recommendations. 53. Belarus noted with satisfaction a number of measures taken by Latvia to combat trafficking in human beings. It asked about Latvia’s experience in implementing the national programme for combating human trafficking, 2004–2008 and whether Latvia planned to adopt a new strategy in this area. It noted the need for Latvia to engage more effectively in the preparation of thematic reports by special procedures. Belarus made recommendations. 54. While expressing its appreciation for the efforts undertaken by Latvia to protect human rights, the Islamic Republic of Iran expressed concerns about various issues, such as racially motivated statements in the media targeting immigrants, asylum-seekers, refugees and certain ethnic groups, overcrowding in prisons and the situation of certain minorities, especially the Roma. It made recommendations. 55. The United States of America commended Latvia for working to promote tolerance and an integrated society. It encouraged Latvia to continue its efforts to promote respect for the human rights of all and to continue implementation of the National Program for the Promotion of Tolerance. The United States urged Latvia to strengthen its legal framework to combat hate crimes and discrimination and to take steps to address the obstacles in integrating members of the Russian-speaking minority. It expressed concern about the prolonged periods of pretrial detention, ill-treatment and deplorable conditions in detention facilities. The United States made recommendations. 56. Paraguay highlighted the implementation of the action plan to reduce unregistered employment, 2010-2013 aimed at consolidating sustainable and long-term employment. It also expressed interest in the setting-up of a rehabilitation system for inmates that promotes parole programmes and the development of specific instruments of rehabilitation for inmates. It asked for further information in this regard. Paraguay made recommendations. 57. Latvia thanked all the delegations for their comments and recommendations. The delegation recalled that Latvia has experienced a severe economic crisis in recent years and the Government has had to take severe measures to cut budget and salaries, while at the same time safeguard social protection. Latvian economy has started to recover. Due to increased unemployment, a special system of social safety measures was introduced to cope with this situation. Various structural reforms have been undertaken in the areas of health care and education, such as the reform of the medical-care system, aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing costs. 58. Regarding integration, the Latvian delegation stated that the conceptual framework for a new integration programme has been put forward for public discussion. The programme encompasses several issues relating to civic integration such as civil society and democratic participation, the development of Latvian language skills, strengthening the sense of belonging to the country and attracting Latvian nationals living abroad. It referred to an old diaspora who left Latvia after the Second World War, and a new diaspora who left Latvia because of the recent economic crisis. The programme is also aimed at maintaining links with these diasporas. 59. Latvia pays particular attention to the preservation of the Latvian language, as the proportion of Latvians living in Latvia has decreased from 77 per cent in the 1930s to 52 per cent in 1989. However, translation is provided in specific circumstances. 60. The Citizenship Law adopted in 1994 takes into account the figures and was designed in collaboration with regional organizations. Further to a referendum held in 1998, the law was amended and the naturalization procedure was facilitated. Non-citizens could become Latvian citizens by simply passing a language test. Older people are only required 9