A/HRC/17/8 61. In Austria asylum-seekers had a right to basic care, including accommodation, food, comprehensive medical care and free education for minors. Every asylum-seeker had the right to free and independent legal assistance during the asylum procedure. Three months after their application, asylum-seekers were allowed to enter the Austrian labour market. 62. Austria was still committed to the ODA target of 0.7 per cent of Austria’s GNI However, due to necessary cuts in the Austrian budget, the achievement of this target by 2015 would almost certainly be delayed. 63. Pakistan highlighted Austria’s role in strengthening the protection of human rights. It mentioned, in this regard, the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action and the ratification of almost all human rights treaties. Pakistan expressed concerns about xenophobic and intolerant attitudes and discrimination against minorities and migrants. It requested information on whether additional measures were required to address such issues. Pakistan made recommendations. 64. Sweden stated that, although the law and judiciary provided effective means of addressing individual cases of abuse, instances of use of excessive force by the police, especially in connection with refugees and asylum seekers, had been reported. Sweden also stated that it was disconcerting to hear reports that xenophobic statements and agitation against a national or ethnic group were not uncommon features in the Austrian political sphere and in the media. Sweden made recommendations. 65. Slovakia stated that Austria had been a democracy which gave high respect to the promotion of human rights. Slovakia made recommendations. 66. Uzbekistan noted that international treaty bodies had expressed the concern about Austria’s reported instances of hate speech by politicians, in particular targeting migrants and members of minorities. Deep concern had also been expressed at the manifestations of neo-Nazism, racism, xenophobia and related intolerance towards migrant communities and those of certain ethnic backgrounds, and at their impact on children belonging to these groups. Uzbekistan made recommendations. 67. Chile commended Austria’s commitment to the protection of human rights, manifested by the high number of human rights treaties ratified and its standing invitation to the special procedures. Chile noted with appreciation the support given by Austria to NGOs. Chile made recommendations. 68. The United States of America commended Austria for its advocacy for women’s rights, its support to national and international NGOs, and its role in the protection of civilians in armed conflicts and in combating human trafficking. It welcomed the incorporation of children’s rights in the Constitution and the recent Constitution Court’s decision on religious groups. It noted reports of societal discrimination and xenophobia. The United States made recommendations. 69. Botswana praised Austria’s commitment to continue placing as a priority the promotion of human rights, which was exemplified by its participation in the work of the Council. It noted the comprehensive measures taken in respect of violence against women. It requested information about measures to handle complaints of ill-treatment by lawenforcement officials. Botswana made a recommendation. 70. Cuba welcomed the approval of the National Plan for Integration and the adoption of other measures to fight racism. It called on Austria to address issues such as political statements inciting to hatred against migrants, asylum-seekers, African descendants, and minorities; vulnerability of Africans, Muslims and Roma to racial discrimination, discrimination in employment, and racial profiling. Cuba also referred to the salary gap between women and men. Cuba made recommendations. 10