A/HRC/39/9 39. Australia welcomed the steps taken by Germany since its previous review, including those related to the integration of refugees and the combating of racial discrimination. 40. Austria commended Germany for its engagement with civil society throughout the review process and the positive steps it had taken to implement recommendations from previous reviews. 41. Azerbaijan echoed the call by the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent for effective action against the practice of racial profiling by enforcement officials. 42. Bahrain expressed concerns about attacks against Muslims, on mosques, synagogues and religious associations, and on asylum seekers and refugee facilities. It was also concerned by the lack of support for underage human trafficking victims. 43. Belarus noted the adoption of the National Action Plan against Racism and the establishment of a working group to protect children from sexual violence and exploitation. 44. Belgium commended Germany for the efforts it had taken to accommodate refugees and for the publication of a National Action Plan against Racism and discrimination. 45. Benin appreciated the achievements of Germany in protecting human rights, including the rights of women, children and immigrants. 46. Bhutan noted the measures Germany had taken to protect the rights of vulnerable groups including women, children and migrants. It appreciated its increased contribution to development assistance. 47. The Plurinational State of Bolivia welcomed the federal programmes in Germany to combat discrimination and forms of hate towards certain groups of people. 48. Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomed the steps Germany had taken to strengthen the foundation for protection of human rights in line with recommendations from the previous review. 49. Botswana commended Germany for developing the National Action Plan against Racism 2017, and for enacting the Transparency on Pay Act, which came into force on 6 July 2017. 50. Brazil noted the attacks against immigrants, refugees and reception centres. It encouraged Germany to prosecute hate crimes and to guarantee birth registration to all children born on its territory, irrespective of the status of their parents. 51. Bulgaria noted efforts to ensure gender equality and to realize the rights of persons with disabilities. It recognized the contribution of Germany as an elected member of the Human Rights Council. 52. Burkina Faso encouraged Germany to continue its efforts to enhance the reintegration of refugees with greater attention given to their right to family reunification. 53. Canada encouraged Germany to take all steps to support the long-term prospects for success of all its residents, citizens and non-citizens alike. 54. Chile urged Germany to continue progress towards the full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 55. China noted the achievements made by Germany in protecting human rights. It was concerned about serious racism and xenophobia in Germany. 56. The Congo welcomed the noble initiative taken by Germany in welcoming numerous refugees. 57. Costa Rica expressed concern about the proliferation of racist and xenophobic speech by movements and political parties. 58. Côte d’Ivoire commended Germany for its commitment to human rights protection, as reflected by its implementation of legislative and institutional reforms. 59. Cuba noted concerns that persons of African descent were not officially recognized as a minority group. 5