A/HRC/19/13 49. Spain noted steps taken by Iceland to recognize same-sex marriage and to grant the judiciary greater independence. It noted that article 62 of the Constitution determined that the Government should support and protect the Lutheran Evangelical Church while article 65 established the equal treatment of all persons regardless of their religion. Spain asked if the current wording of the Constitution could be seen as implying discrimination against other religions and whether it wouldn’t be desirable to adopt a neutral formulation that avoided Government action in that area. Spain made recommendations. 50. Argentina commended Iceland for the application of positive measures in the areas of the fight against discrimination and smuggling of persons as well as the adoption of programmes for the resettlement of refugees. Argentina made recommendations. 51. Chile noted that Iceland had a comprehensive legal human rights protection framework. It also noted the participation of women in the institutional and political life of the country and the high level or their participation in the work force. Chile additionally took note that Iceland was one of the first countries to be affected by the world financial crisis, and that this hampered aspects of its welfare society. It asked for more information on the steering Committee, known as Welfare Watch, appointed by the Government to monitor welfare issues following the crisis. Chile made recommendations. 52. Sweden welcomed the efforts made by Iceland to promote human rights. With regards to the inadequate capacity in the prison system, Sweden welcomed the plans to expand capacity by constructing a new prison. It noted concerns that State church priests were introducing Christian beliefs to children, often without parental consent. Sweden made recommendations. 53. Hungary noted, with satisfaction, the attention given by Iceland to the promotion of gender equality. However, recent surveys indicated that a significant gender-based salary gap continued to exist. It asked what concrete action was being considered to reduce this gap and to address stereotypes and attitudes on the traditional roles and responsibilities of men and women. Hungary also took positive note of action on the rights of persons with disabilities and in particular the fact that Icelandic Sign Language had been recognized as the first language of deaf people. Hungary made recommendations. 54. Thailand acknowledged the commitment of Iceland in ratifying the core international human rights instruments and the monitoring roles played by the ombudsman and other institutions. It applauded legislation promoting gender equality. Thailand appreciated the efforts made to combat violence against women, especially domestic violence and sex trafficking and to improve prison facilities. In this regard, it called on Iceland to consider the recommendations made by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women to strengthen efforts to assist victims and the recommendations of the Committee against Torture regarding the improvement of prison facilities. Thailand made a recommendation. 55. Uruguay welcomed the Iceland’s decision to give priority to combating violence against women and the action plan to combat sexual and domestic violence against women and children. It noted, however, that domestic violence continued to be a problem. Uruguay highlighted the work of the State and of the Ombudsman for Children. Uruguay expressed its concern at the high number of cases of violence and sexual abuse of children. It noted the high number of international human rights instruments ratified. Uruguay made recommendations. 56. Afghanistan noted that Iceland’s system of law incorporated its international legal obligations into national legislation, ensuring implementation of human rights. Furthermore, Afghanistan acknowledged Iceland’s legislation on gender equality and its efforts to combat discrimination and racism against minority groups, persons with disabilities and immigrants. Afghanistan made recommendations. 9