A/HRC/27/7 77. Senegal praised the progress made by Portugal in implementing the recommendations of the first UPR. It welcomed the adoption of policies that promoted the economic, social and cultural rights of the elderly and of persons with disabilities. 78. Serbia welcomed the progress made by Portugal in implementing the recommendations of the first review cycle. It commended the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission and the ratification of international human rights instruments including the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. It acknowledged the efforts of Portugal to combat racism and promote the socioeconomic integration of migrants. 79. Sierra Leone commended the establishment of the human rights mechanism. It was important to ensure that austerity measures did not adversely affect vulnerable groups or the implementation of existing human rights obligations. Sierra Leone applauded the call by Portugal for States to ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 80. Slovakia appreciated the commitment of Portugal to human rights and the rights of the child and commended it on its ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure and other international human rights instruments. It welcomed the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission, and asked what further human rights indicators would be developed by that body. 81. Slovenia welcomed the progress made by Portugal in combating violence against women and, in particular, the legislative amendments introduced in order to extend the concept of domestic violence and the measures taken to reduce social acceptance of domestic and gender-based violence. It expressed appreciation for positive developments in the field of sexual orientation and gender balance. 82. South Africa encouraged Portugal to continue sponsoring Human Rights Council resolutions and welcomed the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission and human rights policy instruments on equality, trafficking, female genital mutilation and immigrant integration. 83. Spain commended Portugal on its efforts to combat domestic violence through the adoption of national plans. Although Portuguese law guaranteed equal pay for men and women, gender disparities persisted. Despite the fact that the national education system was highly inclusive, Roma continued to suffer discrimination. 84. The State of Palestine commended the efforts of Portugal to implement previous UPR recommendations. It welcomed the innovative measures taken to promote the integration of vulnerable communities and to fight racial discrimination. It also welcomed legislative and other measures aimed at combating domestic violence. 85. Thailand expressed appreciation for the implementation by Portugal of the recommendations of the first UPR and its ratification of human rights instruments. It commended Portugal on initiatives concerning non-discrimination against children in respect of access to education and health care, including migrant children in irregular situations. It commended the focus of Portugal on gender equality and on combating violence against women. 11