Thank you, Mr. President,
The Government of Norway would like to thank the delegation from Luxembourg for the presentation of their national report. Norway notes with satisfaction that the level of participation by women in politics and employment is increasing and that the wage gap is narrowing. Norway encourages Luxembourg to continue the implementation of measures in this field, including the stimulation of voluntary action, as well as thefurther development of the policy framework for gender equality. In its efforts to combat discrimination, Luxembourg could consider strengthening the Centre for Equal Treatment.
Norway welcomes the measures introduced by the government of Luxembourg in order to guarantee the quality of education and care for children, as well as their legal protection, including the recent amendment of the Criminal Code, thereby implementing certain recommendations from the first UPR. Norway, however, recommends that gaps in the legislation on the sexual exploitation of children be addressed.
Norway also notes from the Luxembourg national report that foreigners under an expulsion order are routinely placed in detention, and that the average length of detention is currently 49 days. Norway recommends that Luxembourg takes measures to reduce the detention time for foreigners under expulsion order as much as possible.
Regular and mutual contact between official authorities and civil society is paramount to a positive development in the human rights field. The Government of Norway encourages Luxembourg to continue to strengthen consultations with various stakeholders, including national human rights institutions and NGOs, regarding human rights issues.
Thank you.