A/HRC/13/5 taken of continuing allegations of nationality-based discrimination in Norway’s labour market and a recommendation was made in that regard. 41. Italy noted that, according to the national report, a nationwide survey conducted in 2005 showed that approximately 9 per cent of women from the age of 15 had been the victims of serious violence perpetrated by their present or former partner. Italy asked how Norway envisaged addressing this serious problem and what concrete measures are included in its Action Plan 2008-2011. Italy referred to reports of alleged cases of individuals apparently suffering from serious mental illness serving long prison sentences, in some cases including prolonged periods spent in isolation cells. Italy made a number of recommendations. 42. India welcomed Norway’s rank at the top of the human development index. India appreciated Norway’s efforts to support the exploration of an internationally accepted definition of illegitimate debt. It echoed the concerns of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination concerning the high prevalence of discrimination and violence against women, and particularly the increase of rape. India noted efforts to combat female genital mutilation and asked if Norway had put in place systems to ascertain whether such acts were performed before or after the entry into the country of the individuals concerned.. India welcomed that Norway’s intention to ratify the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture in 2010. 43. The Islamic Republic of Iran appreciated Norway’s commitments for the promotion and protection of internationally recognized human rights. It expressed concern over a number of issues including discrimination of people with a migrant background and discriminatory treatment based on ethnicity; discrimination against indigenous people and national minorities; the use of solitary confinement, pre-trial detention and prolonged police custody; human trafficking; the broad definition of terrorism in the Penal Code; the high and increasing number of cases of domestic violence and rape ; and increasing racist and xenophobic overtones in political speech and public debate as well as generalizations and stereotypes concerning persons of Muslim background. It made a number of recommendations. 44. Uzbekistan welcomed the adoption of new legislation in the area of equality and non-discrimination, including the law to counter discrimination and the law on gender equality. It noted as important the adoption of article 224 of the Penal Code prohibiting trafficking in human beings. Uzbekistan welcomed the amendments to the Criminal Code to protect against racial discrimination. Uzbekistan noted the concerns of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights about discrimination faced by immigrants, in particular in the labour and housing markets, and made recommendations. 45. Mexico noted that Norway has an impressive legislative and institutional structure in place as well as good practices in the promotion and protection of human rights. Nevertheless, some challenges continue, especially in the area of non-discrimination and the inclusion of ethnic minorities. Mexico asked what measures Norway envisaged to strengthen its struggle against discrimination against the most vulnerable people, especially minorities, ethnic groups and those with special needs. It made a number of recommendations. 46. The Philippines commended the Government for its role in peace initiatives and for devoting 1 per cent of its GDP to international development assistance. It congratulated Norway for including information on human rights education in its national report. It asked about the work of the Parliamentary committee mandated to propose human rights provisions in the Constitution and whether Norway would consider withdrawing its reservations to article 10 of ICCPR. It made recommendations. 7