A/HRC/17/8 41. Bangladesh commended Austria for standing next to developing countries in their efforts to attain the MDGs and in fulfilling their right to development. It took note of the actions taken by Austria to combat racism and to protect ethnic groups, migrants and asylum-seekers. It was, however, concerned about Austria’s policies to cut its GNI share of official development assistance (ODA). Bangladesh made recommendations. 42. Palestine commended Austria for the transparency and objectivity of its national report, which also outlined persistent challenges such as discrimination and violence against women, and the efforts taken to protect the rights of vulnerable populations. Palestine also referred to Austria’s efforts to protect freedom of religion and religious minorities. Palestine made a recommendation. 43. Guatemala acknowledged Austria’s assessment of the human rights situation and the challenges in areas such as gender equality, discrimination, migration laws, human trafficking and children’s rights. Guatemala commended Austria’s policies on human rights, and for its leadership regarding cooperation for development. Guatemala noted with satisfaction that the fight against racism was a priority and asked about measures to counteract racist acts. Guatemala made a recommendation. 44. Switzerland welcomed Austria’s commitment to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and to establish a national preventive mechanism. Switzerland referred to domestic violence and incidents of detention of women who were victims of trafficking. Switzerland made recommendations. 45. Brazil commended Austria for placing the fight against xenophobia and racism among its priorities. It was encouraged by Austria’s determination to prevent and investigate cases of anti-Semitism. Notwithstanding these remarkable efforts, Brazil was concerned about the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and stated that it was necessary to change the mindset of some State officials in this regard. Brazil made recommendations. 46. The Philippines commended Austria’s commitment to strengthening dialogue between different cultures and religions. It asked about challenges in implementing the intercultural approach in the school system and to what extent human rights education was part of the intercultural curriculum. It recognized Austria’s measures to combat racism and commended national action plans for the promotion of gender equality in the labour market as well as for combating trafficking in persons. The Philippines made recommendations. 47. In reply to questions of delegations during the interactive dialogues, Austria explained that the Austrian Ombudsperson Board was independently monitoring Austria’s public administration according to the Austrian Constitution and thus fulfilled the function of a national human rights institution. Anybody could complain to the Board regardless of age, nationality or residence and at any time and at no charge. It was intended to expand the mandate of the Board in the context of Austria’s ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OP-CAT). 48. Austrian reservations to international human rights conventions were regularly reexamined. So far, no gaps or deficits in the protection of human rights in Austria had been identified. The aim of Austria's reservations was to harmonize Austria's international obligations. 49. Hate speech in politics and media was being strongly condemned by the Austrian public and politicians and was prohibited by criminal law. 50. Nazi activities and Holocaust denial were strictly prohibited by Austrian law. These provisions were strictly enforced by Austrian courts. The education system aimed at promoting inter-cultural understanding and tolerance. 8