A/HRC/27/7 121. In connection with questions related to racism and discrimination against immigrants, the delegation said that Portugal wished to address racism in its totality without singling out any group. Those determined to have perpetrated acts of discrimination were liable to criminal prosecution under the Constitution, and racist motivation was addressed in the Criminal Code, where it could be considered an aggravating circumstance. Two plans to combat discrimination against migrants had been implemented and the results measured in statistical terms. In addition, measures such as the establishment of the Immigration Observatory had been taken. 122. With regard to the issue of discrimination against migrants in employment, the burden fell on the employer to prove the absence of discrimination in cases of complaint. Discrimination was categorized as a crime and the authorities could provide the necessary compensation to victims. Special services for unemployed immigrants, including vocational training and programmes, facilitated the social integration of migrants. 123. The existing law respected the principle of non-refoulement of refugees and asylum seekers. In practice, that meant that no one could be removed from Portuguese territory before a final judicial decision had been handed down in the case. Asylum requests from minors were submitted immediately to the family courts, and a centre for refugee children housed them. 124. The current review was being held at a time when Portugal was going through a deep economic crisis. It was hoped that the country’s efforts to mitigate the effects of the crisis on vulnerable groups had been demonstrated. The Government and the National Human Rights Commission would do everything possible to implement the accepted recommendations, and would submit a mid-term report as part of the UPR process. The UPR mechanism played a positive role in the achievement of human rights worldwide, and the implementation of its recommendations would be felt in Portugal during the coming four years. II. Conclusions and/or recommendations∗∗ 125. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue listed below enjoy the support of Portugal: 125.1 Ensure that civil society representatives are accorded full and active participation in follow-up activities to the universal periodic review (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland); 125.2 Harmonize its domestic laws in order to give effect and prominence to international human rights treaties (Namibia); 125.3 Continue efforts in the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights (Greece); 125.4 Continue presenting initiatives aimed at promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural human rights (Qatar); 125.5 Continue to enhance engagement with its regional and international partners to strengthen its capacity for the protection and promotion of human rights (Philippines); 125.6 Continue to take measures in promoting women’s participation in political affairs (Greece); ** 16 Conclusions and recommendations have not been edited.