A/HRC/27/7 preventing retrogression at times of economic decline. It also invited Portugal to comment on best practices and challenges relating to the enjoyment of human rights by young people. 114. The Democratic Republic of the Congo noted the efforts expended by Portugal to implement recommendations from the first UPR, including by creating the National Human Rights Commission and other institutions and ratifying international human rights instruments. Portugal had promoted human rights education, taken action against racism and domestic violence and promoted social integration for migrants. The Democratic Republic of the Congo asked what the impact of the economic crisis had been on the implementation of the recommendations. 115. The delegation, responding in brief to a number of questions, said that the number of short-term employment contracts for women was falling in comparison with the number for men. Female participation in the labour market in Portugal was the highest in Europe. Despite the financial crisis, the difference in employment rates between men and women was less than in 2008. 116. Portugal was in compliance with the recommendations of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings of the Council of Europe and had introduced the relevant amendments to the Criminal Code. The national legislation was fully compliant with the European Union directive on human trafficking. Specific measures undertaken included awareness-raising activities and campaigns targeting the most vulnerable groups, particularly children. The number of protection teams and centres had been increased, despite the economic crisis. 117. In response to concerns expressed relating to domestic violence, actions to shed light on hidden violence in the family and to protect children and the elderly should be highlighted. A joint campaign proposed by Portugal, entitled “I stand up to violence” (Contra a violência eu dou a cara), had been implemented throughout all Portuguesespeaking countries. Never before had there been so many measures to protect victims. The number of convictions for domestic violence was increasing year on year. There were 119 shelters for victims of domestic violence and 132 welcome and care centres providing victims with social, psychological and legal support in line with the Manual on Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. A further 113 places had been added for the emergency reception of victims. 118. Women represented 5.6 per cent of the prison population and were accommodated under appropriate conditions. Pregnancy and birth were supported, and facilities for children up to the age of 3 years were available. Portugal had had national plans to address domestic violence since 1999. The measures envisaged under the current plan included increasing the capacity of local authorities to prevent violence, and programmes to prevent perpetrators from reoffending. 119. The importance of human rights indicators should be underscored. As suggested by OHCHR, Portugal had already developed national indicators on the right to education and the right to liberty and security of the person. It should be noted that the Ombudsman’s budget had been maintained, and would continue to be maintained, despite the financial crisis. In respect of action plans, it should also be recalled that one of the aims of the creation of the National Human Rights Commission was specifically to ensure coordination and coherence in the relevant sectorial action plans. 120. In connection with access to education, particularly for the most vulnerable, it should be noted that more opportunities were being provided for lifelong learning for adults over 55 years of age, particularly those with disabilities. Moreover, the Government had invested in complementary support, so that children with special needs could attend regular schools without segregation. 15