A/HRC/27/7
Communities, in particular with regard to improvements in living conditions and access to
social services, and on the main challenges.
38.
Ghana commended Portugal for having issued a standing invitation to all special
procedures. Referring to concerns expressed by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination regarding the limited number of complaints of racial discrimination, Ghana
asked whether Portugal had assessed the impact of initiatives to promote the integration of
immigrants and to fight racism and racial discrimination. It enquired about the findings of
the Immigration Observatory study on racist speech, and asked whether Portugal intended
to ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant
Workers and Members of Their Families.
39.
Greece commended the efforts of Portugal to promote and protect economic, social
and cultural rights and asked about recent policies in that regard. It requested further
information on measures to combat discrimination against women in the workplace and
their participation in public life.
40.
The Holy See acknowledged improvements in areas such as the prevention of
human trafficking and child labour, as well as racial discrimination, intolerance and
xenophobia and the integration of immigrants and ethnic minorities. It commended
Portugal on its ratification of a significant number of human rights and humanitarian
instruments.
41.
Hungary welcomed the steps taken to expedite the investigation of crimes of
domestic violence and the establishment of special teams for that purpose. It was concerned
that the right of access to a lawyer was not effective for many detainees, and noted that the
prison population had increased significantly and that juveniles were frequently
accommodated with adults.
42.
India enquired about measures taken to ensure accountability in the prevention of
discriminatory conduct and manifestations of racist stereotypes and prejudice by law
enforcement officials. It asked whether the Social Emergency Programme addressed the
impact of austerity measures on the poorest and most vulnerable groups.
43.
Indonesia welcomed the action being taken by Portugal to combat racism and
discrimination and to promote the integration of migrants and marginalized groups. It noted
that the National Strategy for the Integration of Roma Communities included measures in
the areas of education, health, housing and employment, and comprised a cross-cutting
dimension.
44.
Iraq commended the measures and plans adopted by Portugal to end violence against
women and children. It also welcomed the action taken to align national legislation with
recently ratified international human rights instruments.
45.
Ireland requested further information on the regular interaction between the National
Human Rights Commission and civil society. While welcoming the measures taken to
address discrimination against children, it noted that instances of discrimination continued
to occur in practice. It considered that the criminalization of defamation was an
inappropriate restriction on freedom of expression.
46.
The Islamic Republic of Iran expressed concern about the increase in racist websites,
particularly those targeting Roma and immigrants, and the increase in cases of
discrimination, harassment and abuse of members of ethnic minorities. In addition, it
expressed concern about the excessive use of force by law enforcement officials, and
allegations of torture and other forms of ill-treatment.
47.
Estonia encouraged Portugal to step up its efforts to ensure that the education system
was inclusive, particularly for immigrants, ethnic minorities, girls and women. It welcomed
7