A/HRC/27/7
increase in complaints, particularly efforts to enable and empower women to make
complaints. The greatest concern was reserved for cases that did not come to light.
67.
The Fifth National Plan for Gender Equality, Citizenship and Non-discrimination
provided for enhanced measures relating to gender equality in the labour market. In
addition, existing bodies such as the Commission for Equality in Labour and Employment
were able to receive complaints. Complaints about work conditions could be submitted to
the Labour Inspectorate, which was able to apply the necessary sanctions.
68.
The Parity Act of 2006 had helped to increase the participation of women in public
life through the introduction of a quota policy. The increase was evident in the relevant
statistics.
69.
In connection with human trafficking, a system for flagging and identifying victims
had helped to tackle the phenomenon more effectively. The current Third National Action
Plan to Prevent and Combat Trafficking in Human Beings also targeted labour exploitation
of and trafficking in children. Efforts to address the issues of child labour and of street
children had produced tangible results.
70.
Paraguay welcomed the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission
and the appointment of an Ombudsman. It commended Portugal on the elaboration of
policies to counter racial discrimination and encouraged it to continue taking resolute action
to prevent discrimination against immigrants and ethnic minorities in access to housing,
employment, education and health care.
71.
The Philippines welcomed the adoption by Portugal of human rights policy
instruments, including national plans to combat human trafficking and gender-based
violence and to integrate immigrants and the Roma community. It urged Portugal to
promote and protect the human rights of migrants in addition to those of its own people.
72.
Poland expressed appreciation for the efforts of Portugal to comply with
recommendations on equality and non-discrimination, and commended it on measures
taken to combat domestic violence, including the adoption of a national plan.
73.
Qatar welcomed the adoption by Portugal of comprehensive plans and strategies for
human rights and the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission. It
commended Portugal on the adoption of the Second National Plan against Trafficking in
Human Beings and on legislative amendments expanding the concept of trafficking in
persons to include begging, slavery and exploitation in other criminal activities.
74.
The Republic of Korea expressed appreciation for the endeavours of Portugal to
improve human rights, combat discrimination, prevent violence against women, promote
the rights of the child and establish the National Human Rights Commission. Portugal had
displayed outstanding leadership in promoting human rights internationally. It invited
Portugal to pay closer attention to the negative impact of austerity measures on the most
vulnerable groups.
75.
The Republic of Moldova commended Portugal on its commitment to human rights
and its engagement with international human rights mechanisms. It expressed appreciation
for the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission, and invited Portugal to
elaborate on the objectives and priorities of the Second Plan for Immigrant Integration. It
noted the low number of convictions for human trafficking.
76.
The Russian Federation expressed concern about deteriorating detention conditions,
reduced safety resulting from cuts in the number of prison officers, and prison
overcrowding. It also expressed concern about the duration of legal proceedings, and noted
that trafficking in human beings continued to be an acute problem. It commended the
campaign to combat domestic violence.
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