A/HRC/27/7 105. Brazil expressed appreciation for the ratification by Portugal of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture in 2013, and for the appointment of an Ombudsman as a national preventive mechanism. It welcomed the measures taken to combat domestic violence. The innovative drug policy of Portugal, founded on values of humanism and participation, was noteworthy. Brazil urged Portugal to strive to ensure that crises did not affect vulnerable groups. Cuts to the water supply in Lisbon gave cause for concern. 106. Bulgaria welcomed the efforts of Portugal to implement recommendations from the first UPR cycle. It noted that combating violence against women and domestic and genderbased violence were priorities for Portugal, and expressed appreciation for the introduction of legislative amendments to extend the concept of domestic violence. 107. Cabo Verde noted that Portugal had created a national committee for coordination and follow-up in respect of the plans and measures put in place as a result of its accession to international human rights instruments. It commended Portugal on the implementation of recommendations made during the first UPR cycle, and on the priority given to combating gender-based and domestic violence and to human rights education. 108. Canada asked what the specific results of the Fourth National Plan against Domestic and Gender-Based Violence 2011–2013 had been, what progress was under way for the fifth iteration of the plan (2014–2017) and what specific benchmarks had been identified. It welcomed the introduction of measures designed to improve human rights, including the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission and enhanced dialogue with civil society. 109. Chile appreciated the efforts made by Portugal to improve human rights, to minimize the effects of the economic crisis and to accede to international human rights instruments. It noted the creation of the National Human Rights Commission, which had improved coordination between public authorities and strengthened dialogue with civil society, and the measures taken to reduce early school leaving rates. 110. China recognized the efforts made by Portugal to deal with the impact of the international financial crisis on its economic and social development, and to guarantee the rights of vulnerable groups. Portugal had formulated national plans to combat domestic violence and human trafficking and to ensure access to education for all children. China expressed the hope that Portugal would continue to combat racism and support marginalized groups. 111. Costa Rica congratulated Portugal on its efforts to reach and maintain the highest standards in human rights, despite economic difficulties. It welcomed the creation of the National Human Rights Commission, the ratification by Portugal of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and its efforts to introduce policies on migrants and to combat racism and discrimination. 112. Côte d’Ivoire noted the action taken by Portugal since the previous UPR, including setting up the National Human Rights Commission. It welcomed the policies introduced to combat discrimination and racial and religious hatred and to promote the integration of minorities and migrants, in addition to the measures taken to combat domestic violence, to protect children and to improve the situation of persons with disabilities. 113. Egypt commended Portugal on the launch of the Programme of Action for the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation and on increasing capacity to prosecute in cases of violence against women. It noted the concerns of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination about racist and xenophobic speech. Egypt invited Portugal to share its best practices in ensuring respect for economic, social and cultural rights and in 14