3rd Cycle UPR Recommendations

Each of the 226 recommendations is listed below, followed by whether it was Accepted or Noted. Government responses are also listed in italics.

115.1 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Belgium) (Cyprus) (Estonia) (Honduras);

Noted: The Lao PDR cannot support these recommendations as they are against the provisions of the Penal Code, which has newly been codified through extensive consultations, including the special debate and vote in the National Assembly specifically on maintaining the death penalty in the Penal Code. The decision to keep the death penalty as a result of majority vote in the National Assembly shall be respected and upheld. The remaining provisions of the Penal Code prescribe the death penalty in line with the article 6 of ICCPR.

115.2 Consider acceding to or ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, as previously recommended (Slovenia); Step up efforts to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Uruguay); Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, considering Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Paraguay); Noted: See 115.1

115.3 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty and enact legislation abolishing the death penalty for all crimes and in all circumstances (Croatia); Noted: See 115.1

115.4 Establish a formal moratorium on the death penalty with a view to ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Australia); Noted: See 115.1

115.5 Fully abolish the death penalty and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Iceland); Noted: See 115.1

115.6 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, signed in 2008 (France); Accepted

115.7 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Chile) (Montenegro); Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance without reservations (Ukraine); Consider ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Uruguay); Accede to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Iraq);

Noted: Like other countries, the Lao PDR will continue to thoroughly study the contents of those conventions as recommended, however the questions on when and whether it is possible to ratify any of them shall remain open.

115.8 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and ensure its implementation (Switzerland); Accepted

115.9 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and ensure its effective implementation (Belgium); Accepted

115.10 Conclude the process of ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance quickly, and investigate all cases of enforced disappearance, including the case of Sombath Somphone, and of Laotians abroad, and bring perpetrators to justice (Germany); Noted: See 115.7

115.11 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and initiate full and impartial investigations into allegations of enforced disappearance, torture and other ill-treatment (Italy); Noted

115.12 In addition to considering the early ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, continue to make efforts to address the case of the missing human rights defender (Japan); Noted: See 115.7

115.13 Ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Honduras); Accepted

115.14 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Sri Lanka); Noted: See 115.7

115.15 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Cyprus) (Denmark) (Honduras); Noted: See 115.7

115.16 Consider accession to the Optional Protocol on the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Sri Lanka); Noted: See 115.7

115.17 Ratify and implement the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and establish an independent, efficient and well-resourced national preventive mechanism with powers to conduct unimpeded visits to all places of detention (Croatia); Noted: See 115.7

115.18 Ratify the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) (Honduras); Noted: See 115.7

115.19 Ratify the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) to advance towards the targets of Sustainable Development Goals 5.4, 8 and 16 (Paraguay); Accepted

115.20 Consider ratifying the ILO Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) (Brazil); Noted: See 115.7

115.21 Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Honduras); Noted: See 115.7

115.22 Accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the International Criminal Court (Estonia); Noted: See 115.7

115.23 Accede to and fully align national legislation with all of the obligations under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, as previously recommended (Latvia); Noted: See 115.7

115.24  Ratify the Convention against Discrimination in Education (Serbia); Noted: See 115.7

115.25  Align national laws with the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Iraq); Accepted

115.26 Consider the extension of a standing invitation to all special procedure mandate holders of the Human Rights Council, as previously recommended (Latvia);

Noted: The Lao PDR will continue its cooperation with all special procedures of the Human Rights Council. However, a standing invitation is not applicable as the Lao PDR maintains a policy to consider extending the invitation to UN special rapporteurs on a case by case basis and also based on convenient timing for both sides.

115.27 Issue a standing invitation to all special procedures of the Human Rights Council (Cyprus) (Montenegro) (Ukraine); Noted: See 115.26

115.28 Strengthen regional and international cooperation in the field of human rights (Malaysia); Accepted

115.29 Continue its work in the direction of the adoption and implementation of human rights treaties by ratifying and implementing the international human rights instruments in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and other United Nations bodies (Armenia); Accepted

115.30 Continue constructive cooperation with treaty bodies and the special procedures (Egypt); Accepted

115.31 Establish a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles (Finland) (Germany) (Mexico); Establish an independent national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles (Ukraine); Establish a unified national human rights institution with sufficient resources in accordance with the Paris Principles (Spain); Deploy efforts to establish a national human rights institution, in line with the Paris Principles (Chile); Consider the creation of an independent national human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles (Tunisia); Consider establishing a national human rights institution fully compliant with the Paris Principles (Afghanistan) (Republic of Korea);

Noted: After extensive consultations and studies, as well as exchanging lessons learnt from other countries, the Lao PDR has come to the conclusion that it will continue to maintain its existing domestic mechanism, namely the National Committee on Human Rights (NCHR), as the overarching human rights mechanism for the promotion and protection of human rights at the national level. In addition, there are other domestic mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights of certain groups such as the National Commission on Advancement of Women, Mothers-Children (NCAWMC), the National Committee for Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly, the National Steering Committee on Anti-Human Trafficking, and the National Assembly with its complaint mechanism.

115.32 Strengthen the national human rights mechanisms in compliance with the Paris Principles (India); Noted: See 115.31

115.33 Make efforts to strengthen national human rights institutions in accordance with the Paris Principles (Nepal); Noted: See 115.31

115.34 Begin the process of establishing a national human rights institution fully compliant with the Paris Principles (Zambia); Noted: See 115.31

115.35 Continue taking targeted steps to improve the national legislation in the area of human rights and freedoms (Russian Federation); Accepted

115.36 Continue incorporating the international norms on human rights into the national legislation (Uzbekistan); Accepted

115.37 Further strengthen the capacities of public officials on human rights, including through collaboration with other States (Indonesia); Accepted

115.38 Take further measures to raise awareness and understanding of human rights in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Japan); Accepted

115.39 Continue with actions to cooperate with the international community to improve the country’s capacities (Jordan); Accepted

115.40 Further intensify its efforts on human rights education and capacity- building for duty bearers and stakeholders (Philippines); Accepted

115.41 Continue with efforts to provide further training and information on human rights standards to government officials and judges, as well as human rights education to businesses, students and the general public (Thailand); Accepted

115.42 Further continue its awareness-raising and training activities on human rights for State officials and the general public to raise legal awareness across the country (Turkmenistan); Accepted

115.43 Approve a comprehensive national strategy on the rights of the child that includes a specific budget line and appropriate monitoring mechanisms (Spain);

Noted: The Lao PDR cannot support it due to its unclear nature.

115.44 Request cooperation from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to establish a permanent national mechanism for the implementation of, reporting on and follow-up to human rights recommendations, within the framework of Sustainable Development Goals 16 and 17 (Paraguay);

Noted: The Lao PDR will maintain the existing mechanisms, namely, the National Committee on Human Rights to follow-up and report on the implementation of human rights Recommendations.

115.45 Continue to strengthen actions to implement and monitor recommendations received and accepted in the context of the universal periodic review, and also to establish a mechanism to link this with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda (Dominican Republic); Accepted

115.46 Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that addresses direct and indirect discrimination and encompasses all the prohibited grounds of discrimination, including sexual orientation and gender identity (Iceland);

Noted: Despite not having a comprehensive law on anti-discrimination, the Constitution and relevant laws prohibit any discrimination irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, religion or belief, and social strata. Most notably, such provisions are clearly stipulated in the Law on Gender Equality, Law on Education, Law on Medical Treatment, among others. Regarding the LGBTI, the reasons have been provided in para. 13 below.

115.47 Continue taking steps to improve the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, particularly by identifying their needs, and consider involving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex representatives in decision-making processes (Malta);

Noted: The Constitution of the Lao PDR stipulates that Lao citizens are equal before the law irrespective of their ethnicity and gender. Lao citizens, both men and women, enjoy equal rights in the political, economic, cultural, social and family spheres, including the rights to elect and to stand as a candidate at the elections, and the rights to participate in public affairs. Therefore, the Lao PDR cannot support the Recommendation No. 47 as the Lao laws do not acknowledge any other gender identity other than female and male.

115.48 Take the necessary measures to prevent and combat discrimination and persecution against ethnic and religious minorities, and to guarantee their right to freedom of expression and conscience, as well as their access to health care, education and an adequate standard of living (Mexico); Accepted

115.49 Adopt a comprehensive, gender-responsive and disability-inclusive approach to climate change adaptation and mitigation policies, consistent with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, to address the economic, cultural and social impacts and challenges that climate change represents, for the full and effective enjoyment of human rights for all (Fiji); Accepted

115.50 Continue taking effective measures to combat climate change (Nicaragua); Accepted

115.51 Enhance its strategy of mitigating vulnerabilities against prolonged drought and floods through a robust climate resilience scheme (Ethiopia); Accepted

115.52 Review the Government’s economic strategy, taking necessary steps to conserve the environment by developing guidelines to conduct studies on the environmental impacts of foreign investment projects (Maldives); Accepted

115.53 Consolidate the progress made towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals and in the improvement of human development indicators (India); Accepted

115.54 Make every effort to promote the right to development, which positively affects the people’s rights, in particular in economic and social areas (Islamic Republic of Iran); Accepted

115.55 Continue with its hard work to incorporate the targets and indicators of the Sustainable Development Goals into the national plans (Nicaragua); Accepted

115.56 Develop a national action plan for full implementation of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (Norway);

Noted: The Lao PDR does not have the plan to develop an action plan for implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights within the next 4 years. In the meantime, the Lao PDR will focus on strengthening the existing legal measures on the promotion and protection of human rights in relation to obligation of the private sectors, while also continuing to raise awareness on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights for both government and private sectors.

115.57 Incorporate the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities and other relevant groups into its ninth national socioeconomic development plan, and consider taking integrated approaches in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and human rights policies, where applicable (Thailand); Accepted

115.58 Intensify the ongoing efforts towards inclusive economic growth, further poverty reduction, and increased investment in rural health-care services (Cambodia); Accepted

115.59  Abolish the death penalty (Canada) (Portugal); Noted: See 115.1

115.60  Take measures aimed at the definitive abolition of the death penalty (Luxembourg); Noted: See 115.1

115.61 Consider abolishing the death penalty for all crimes in all circumstances (Malta); Noted: See 115.1

115.62 Consider taking further action towards the abolition of the death penalty (New Zealand); Noted: See 115.1

115.63 Enact legislation abolishing the death penalty for all crimes and in all circumstances, following on from the revision of the Penal Code, which reduces the scope of offences for which the death penalty may be imposed (Ireland); Noted: See 115.1

115.64 Introduce a de jure moratorium on executions, with a view to the complete abolition of the death penalty (Italy); Noted: See 115.1

115.65 Establish an official moratorium on the application of the death penalty, as a preliminary step to its final abolition, and modify the Penal Code to reduce the number of crimes for which capital punishment can be imposed (Spain); Noted: See 115.1

115.66 Take the necessary steps to repeal the death penalty from its national legislation (Argentina); Noted: See 115.1

115.67 Consider an official moratorium on the death penalty, as a first step towards the abolition of capital punishment (Brazil); Noted: See 115.1

115.68 Officially establish a moratorium on the death penalty with a view to abolishing it, and commute capital punishment to imprisonment (France); Noted: See 115.1

115.69 Maintain the moratorium on executions and abolish the death penalty (Czechia); Noted: See 115.1

115.70 Ensure impartial and independent investigations and prosecution, as well as bring all perpetrators of enforced disappearance to justice (Finland);

Noted: The Lao PDR cannot support these recommendations. However, the search for missing Lao citizens, including Sombath Somphone, is the duty of the Lao government. The decision to issue an official investigation order into the alleged cases of missing or disappearance shall be considered on a case by case basis, by competent agencies based on the credibility of information and legal grounds.

115.71 Establish an independent body to investigate deaths and enforced disappearances in the country and provide this body with the investigative powers by law that are necessary to conduct free, independent and reliable investigations (Maldives); Noted: See 115.70

115.72 Continue taking measures to improve investigations into cases of enforced disappearance (Malta); Accepted

115.73 Ensure independent and impartial investigations into cases of enforced disappearance and hold perpetrators to account (Netherlands); Noted: See 115.70

115.74 Undertake full, independent investigations into all unresolved cases of alleged enforced disappearances, including that of Sombath Somphone (New Zealand); Noted: See 115.70

115.75 Undertake impartial, thorough and transparent investigations into enforced disappearances, including that of Sombath Somphone (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland); Noted: See 115.70

115.76 Conduct independent, impartial and transparent investigations into all alleged cases of enforced disappearance, including that of Sombath Somphone, ensuring family members are regularly informed of any progress (Australia); Noted: See 115.70

115.77 Conduct credible and in-depth investigations into all alleged cases of enforced disappearance, including the disappearance of Sombath Somphone and other human rights defenders (Canada); Noted: See 115.70

115.78 Conduct thorough, independent and impartial investigations to clarify all unexplained enforced disappearances of human rights defenders in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Poland); Noted: See 115.70

115.79 Undertake domestic independent investigations into the disappearances and deaths of democracy and human rights activists (United States of America); Noted: See 115.70

115.80 Take all necessary steps to define the crime of enforced disappearance in its national legislation in order to investigate and punish the perpetrators of such acts (Argentina); Accepted

115.81 Prevent and combat arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture and other ill-treatment, in particular against members of the Hmong community; initiate impartial and independent investigations of such acts; and ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Portugal);

Noted: The Lao PDR upholds its laws which prohibit arbitrary arrests, torture and other ill-treatments, such protection of which is provided for all citizens regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or belief and other social strata as stipulated in the Constitution and relevant laws. However, the Lao PDR considers these recommendations as entirely inaccurate and do not reflects the real situation in the country.

115.82 Amend national legislation to ensure that it is fully consistent with the international human rights obligations of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and, in particular, to provide for fair trials and freedom from torture and arbitrary detention (Ukraine); Accepted

115.83 Continue to implement measures and programmes to improve conditions of detention and guarantee the rights of persons deprived of liberty (Dominican Republic); Accepted

115.84 Redouble efforts to improve conditions of detention centres in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules) (Zambia); Accepted

115.85 Strengthen the independence of the judiciary, and ensure full and effective access to judicial remedies to vulnerable people and minorities (Italy); Accepted

115.86 Take effective measures to safeguard the independence and impartiality of the judiciary (Czechia); Accepted

115.87 Continue efforts to promote the rule of law and good governance, notably the strengthening of the justice sector (Morocco); Accepted

115.88 Strengthen justice sector organizations and build the capacity of law students and legal professionals (Syrian Arab Republic); Accepted

115.89 Strengthen its ongoing process to improve the justice sector and build good governance and public administration through its legal sector master plan for rule of law 2009–2020 (Turkmenistan); Accepted

115.90  Ensure the right to freedom of expression (Cyprus); Accepted

115.91  Enhance freedom of expression, lifting restrictions for independent media and providing a safe environment for the work of journalists and human rights defenders (Italy);

Noted: The freedom of expression is guaranteed by the national legal framework. The Government of the Lao PDR has made efforts to facilitate freedom of expression by creating conditions to promote and protect the freedom of speech, writing, peaceful assembly and association, which are in conformity with the article 19 of the ICCPR.

115.92 Ensure that freedom of expression is safeguarded in all its forms (Norway); Accepted

115.93 Ensure freedom of expression and media freedom by bringing national legislation into line with international standards (Latvia); Accepted

115.94 Guarantee the peaceful exercise of the right to freedom of expression by revisiting relevant legislation, including article 65 of the Penal Code (Denmark); Noted: See 115.91

115.95 Guarantee the effective exercise of freedom of expression, assembly and association by revising its legislation so as not to hinder the work of NGOs and human rights defenders (Luxembourg); Noted: See 115.91

115.96 Ensure the right to freedom of expression by repealing article 56 of the Penal Code on acts of betrayal towards the nation and article 65 of the Penal Code on propaganda against the State, in line with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (Declaration on Human Rights Defenders) (Netherlands); Noted: See 115.91

115.97 Review and amend legislation and practices relating to freedom of expression and assembly to fully enable the function of non-governmental organizations and civil society (New Zealand); Noted: See 115.91

115.98 Repeal all legislation inhibiting freedom of opinion and expression that is not compatible with article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland); Accepted

115.99 Ensure that any restrictions on the exercise of the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly comply with the requirements of articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Belgium); Accepted

115.100 Guarantee freedom of expression of the press, assembly and association as well as freedom of religion and belief, in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Uruguay); Accepted

115.101 Reform criminal defamation legislation in conformity with article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Estonia); Accepted

115.102 Fully fulfil the obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to respect and guarantee the right to freedom of expression (Canada); Accepted

115.103 Guarantee unhindered and private access to domestic and foreign media information for all, both offline and online (Estonia); Accepted

115.104 Bring the Criminal Code into line with obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and immediately release individuals whose arrest and detention under these provisions restricted the legitimate exercise of their right to freedom of opinion and expression (United States of America); Noted: See 115.91

115.105 Guarantee the effective exercise of freedom of expression by revising its legislation on the media as well as legislation on the fight against cybercrime (Luxembourg); Noted: See 115.91

115.106 Amend laws that restrict freedom of expression, assembly and association to comply with international human rights law (Australia); Noted: See 115.91

115.107 Adopt legislative changes that guarantee the protection and free exercise of the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly (Spain); Noted: See 115.91

115.108 Guarantee the freedom of peaceful assembly, opinion and expression, and freedom of the press by releasing all those detained solely because they exercised or defended the exercise of these rights (France); Accepted

115.109 End the arbitrary arrest of individuals for exercising their right to freedom of opinion and expression, including those who peacefully criticize the Government, speak out about negative impacts of infrastructure or investment projects or expose instances of corruption (Germany); Noted: See 115.81

115.110 Refrain from initiating criminal proceedings against individuals for the peaceful exercise of their civil rights, including the right to privacy and freedom of expression, association and assembly, having regard to the importance of creating and maintaining a safe and enabling environment for journalists, human rights defenders and other civil society actors (Ireland); Noted: See 115.81

115.111 Ensure the full enjoyment of the freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, and progress to fully investigate all allegations of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and criminal convictions for expressions of political opposition or criticism of State policies (Czechia); Noted: See 115.91

115.112 Create and maintain a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders and civil society to constructively contribute to policymaking and national development (Norway); Accepted

115.113 Put an end to the arrests of those who peacefully express their opinions (Switzerland); Noted: See 115.81

115.114 Amend Decree No. 238 and its associated amendments to align it with the international human rights obligations and commitments of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, including by eliminating the following: burdensome registration requirements; arbitrary curtailment of activities and finances of associations; criminalization of unregistered associations and the Government’s harassment of their members; and the ability to arbitrarily dissolve non-profit associations, without the right of appeal (United States of America);

Noted: The Lao PDR cannot support recommendation no. 114 on making an amendment to the newly amended Decree No.238 on Associations because the drafting process of this Decree had gone through extensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders. Moreover, the Lao PDR considers some parts of this recommendation as entirely inaccurate and do not reflect the real situation in the country.

115.115 Facilitate a supportive environment to better enable civil society organizations to operate (Australia); Accepted

115.116 Review and amend Decree No. 315 to ensure that administrative procedures for religious groups are not arbitrary, vague and discriminatory, and to eliminate the wide latitude local officials have to discriminate against and persecute religious minorities (Solomon Islands); Accepted

115.117 Allow all religious communities to meet and conduct activities freely, regardless of whether they are incorporated or registered (Solomon Islands);

Noted: The right to freedom of religion of the Lao citizen is guaranteed by the Constitution and relevant legislations. However, the conduct of religious activities shall abide by the Decree No. 315. The purpose of the Decree 315 is to facilitate the religious activities. The drafting process of this Decree also included extensive consultations with representatives of all legally recognized religious organizations in the Lao PDR.

115.118 Introduce a mechanism to monitor and regulate local officials, especially in rural areas, to ensure they conform with human rights standards and do not arbitrarily and discriminatorily target Christians and other religious minorities (Solomon Islands); Accepted

115.119 Intensify efforts to combat human trafficking, especially of women and children, including by enhancing the work of the national steering committee on anti-human trafficking (Georgia); Accepted

115.120 Develop and implement a national action plan on human trafficking and modern slavery, using this as a framework to evaluate progress on combating modern forms of slavery, and allocate funded budgets to the national action plan (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland); Accepted

115.121 Take steps against trafficking in persons and related labour and sexual exploitation, with special emphasis on child victims, women and members of ethnic minorities (Czechia); Accepted

115.122 Continue to enhance measures and programmes to combat trafficking in persons, especially women and children (Philippines); Accepted

115.123 Increase further efforts to combat trafficking in persons, especially in women and children, including by improving law enforcement practices with a view to bringing to justice and punishing the perpetrators, as well as by providing victims of trafficking with protection and rehabilitation (Belarus); Accepted

115.124 Continue the efforts to ensure the protection of women and children victims of trafficking, including by providing them with improved access to shelters (Republic of Korea); Accepted

115.125 Take all the necessary measures to put an end to child trafficking, including for the purposes of labour and sexual exploitation, as well as to all harmful practices against women and girls, including child, early and forced marriage (Italy); Accepted

115.126 Intensify efforts to enhance bilateral, regional and international cooperation to combat trafficking in persons (Qatar); Accepted

115.127 Strengthen efforts to eliminate human trafficking by enhancing awareness-raising campaigns for vulnerable groups in remote areas (Indonesia); Accepted

115.128 Take preventive and awareness-raising measures in order to further develop the fight against human trafficking (Azerbaijan); Accepted

115.129 Provide protection to families, as the natural unit and the most important foundation of society, in a more effective manner (Islamic Republic of Iran); Accepted

115.130 Continue its measures to implement the national action plan for poverty reduction, in order to alleviate poverty and to improve the standards of living (Myanmar); Accepted

115.131 Ensure effective implementation of national targeted development programmes to further improve the living conditions of the population (Uzbekistan); Accepted

115.132 Continue to take concrete actions aimed at eliminating poverty, and continue to improve the living standards of the population (Cuba); Accepted

115.133 Continue to take concrete measures to eliminate poverty and improve living standards for its people (Pakistan); Accepted

115.134 Continue its poverty reduction efforts and effectively implement poverty reduction plans and programmes (Bhutan); Accepted

115.135 Continue to promote economic and social sustainable development and reduce the number of people living in poverty (China); Accepted

115.136 Continue to develop policies and legislation for inclusive growth and poverty reduction (Singapore); Accepted

115.137 Continue efforts in socioeconomic development and poverty eradication to further facilitate the enjoyment of the human rights of its people (Viet Nam); Accepted

115.138 Continue efforts, with the international community’s support and assistance, in promoting and protecting human rights, particularly the economic, social and cultural rights of its people (Bangladesh); Accepted

115.139 Accelerate efforts to achieve economic growth aimed at raising the living standards of all people, including those living in remote areas (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea); Accepted

115.140 Strengthen efforts to provide social services in remote areas (Syrian Arab Republic); Accepted

115.141 Continue to implement its development plans to raise the standard of living of the population and provide them with the necessary services, especially in rural areas (Yemen); Accepted

115.142 Develop a national policy to enable people in rural areas to benefit from economic programmes aimed at reducing poverty (Qatar); Accepted

115.143 Continue implementing its poverty reduction efforts across the entire country, in particular in rural areas (Azerbaijan); Accepted

115.144 Take further steps to enhance access to social services by vulnerable sectors, including women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities, among others (Philippines); Accepted

115.145 Continue to implement poverty alleviation measures and investment in health and education sectors, including by incorporating human rights knowledge in such measures as well as in the education curricula in order to sensitize and increase nationwide awareness of human rights principles (Indonesia); Accepted

115.146 With the support of international cooperation, continue to strengthen its targeted policies of investment in health, education and poverty reduction (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela); Accepted

115.147 Accelerate efforts to achieve economic growth aimed at raising the living standards of all people, particularly regarding health-care services and those living in remote areas (Kuwait); Accepted

115.148 Continue measures towards inclusive socioeconomic development through investment in the health and education sectors, including in the rural areas (Nepal); Accepted

115.149 Continue its efforts to eradicate poverty and promote access to education for all citizens (Bangladesh); Accepted

115.150 Ensure that population relocations as a result of land concessions to development projects are carried out in accordance with relevant international standards, in particular the principle of non-discrimination, and with adequate consultation and compensation (Poland); Accepted

115.151 Improve planning of development and investment projects to avoid forced displacement, and improve resettlement and compensation plans for land expropriation (Luxembourg); Accepted

115.152 Manage all infrastructure projects, including dams and their safety, to the best of its ability to avoid forced displacement, include the communities concerned in the decision-making process and, in the event of inevitable displacement, guarantee effective compensation and relocation programmes in accordance with international standards (Switzerland); Accepted

115.153 Ensure that the adoption and enforcement of laws, including the land law of 2019, and implementation of policies in land management and use, are consultative, transparent and fully compliant with international human rights law and standards (Germany); Accepted

115.154 Ensure the full and effective implementation of the national strategic plan on reproductive health, services for mothers and newborns and child health care and the national plan of action for mothers and children (Brunei Darussalam); Accepted

115.155 Continue implementing policies to improve access to and the quality of public health services, with special focus on rural areas and the reduction of infant mortality (Cuba); Accepted

115.156 Enhance efforts to reduce the rate of maternal and child mortality (Islamic Republic of Iran); Accepted

115.157 Implement policies aimed at reducing high rates of child and maternal mortality (Georgia); Accepted

115.158 Extend the public health system with a view to providing more basic health services to all and reducing child mortality (Kyrgyzstan); Accepted

115.159 Continue to strengthen the national health system to further reduce maternal and infant mortality (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela); Accepted

115.160 Redouble its efforts to reduce maternal mortality and implement programmes aimed at reducing child mortality and morbidity (Afghanistan); Accepted

115.161 Effectively implement programmes to reduce infant mortality and morbidity rates, in particular by upgrading the skills of midwives and by establishing quality standards for maternal and neonatal care (Algeria); Accepted

115.162 Continue with its efforts towards combating infant, child and maternal mortality and malnutrition rates (Armenia); Accepted

115.163 Continue to reinforce efforts to support inclusive growth and prioritize budgetary allocations in primary education and in the reduction of malnutrition and maternal and infant mortality rates (India); Accepted

115.164 Continue to strengthen national and subnational resource allocations to develop and maintain an enabling environment for young people, women and men, and those living in remote areas, to access quality sexual and reproductive health and family services (Fiji); Accepted

115.165 Address barriers preventing women and girls from accessing sexual and reproductive health services as made available by the 2016 guidelines on the prevention of unsafe abortions (Iceland); Accepted

115.166 Legalize abortion in cases of risk to the health of the pregnant woman, rape, incest or severe fetal impairment and decriminalize abortion in all other cases (Estonia); Accepted

115.167 Continue its effective measures to improve women’s access to health services, in particular reproductive health services (Malaysia); Accepted

115.168 Make greater efforts to implement policies and programmes ensuring that women and girls have access to sexual and reproductive health services throughout the national territory (Uruguay); Accepted

115.169 Ensure that all women and girls have access to appropriate sexual and reproductive health services, and implement policies, including awareness- raising, to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls (Norway); Accepted

115.170 Continue to increase access to health services and education among women and girls, in particular those living in rural and remote areas (Japan); Accepted

115.171 Scale up the investment in and improve the availability and quality of services in rural and remote areas, in particular access to education and health, including sexual and reproductive health, addressing the specific needs and vulnerabilities of women, girls and members of ethnic minorities (Portugal); Accepted

115.172 Continue its efforts to improve implementation of its policies on public health and develop health-care infrastructure in remote areas (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea); Accepted

115.173 Expand the public health network in urban and rural areas (Syrian Arab Republic); Accepted

115.174 Allocate adequate resources to provide affordable and quality basic medical services to its people (Viet Nam); Accepted

115.175 Further develop health services and strengthen public health systems (China); Accepted

115.176 Continue ongoing efforts to develop the health sector and achieve universal health coverage (Egypt); Accepted

115.177 Continue efforts to promote and protect the rights of children to education (Brunei Darussalam); Accepted

115.178 Further promote education and strive to provide compulsory education to all children (China); Accepted

115.179 Strengthen measures to improve the quality and scope of the education system, particularly in remote areas (Cuba); Accepted

115.180 Strengthen partnerships with regional and international bodies that are responsible for education to ensure quality education for all (Jordan); Accepted

115.181 Continue creating favourable conditions for ensuring access to free and quality primary and secondary education for all children (Kyrgyzstan); Accepted

115.182 Continue to take the necessary measures for all children to have equal access to quality education, especially those who live in rural and remote areas (Qatar); Accepted

115.183 Continue its efforts to create favourable conditions for ensuring access to free and quality education for all children (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea); Accepted

115.184 Continue efforts to provide quality education for all (Malaysia); Accepted

115.185 Keep moving towards full and free access to quality primary and secondary education, for all children, boys and girls, and adolescents (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela); Accepted

115.186 Further strengthen measures to ensure sufficient allocation of teachers and improvement of school facilities in remote areas (Myanmar); Accepted

115.187 Make further efforts towards addressing disparities in the education of girls (New Zealand); Accepted

115.188 Continue to take concrete action to address disparities in access to education, especially among rural ethnic groups, as a means to combat poverty, early marriage and human trafficking (Norway); Accepted

115.189 Strengthen measures to further realize the right to education, by providing adequate school facilities and teachers in remote areas (Pakistan); Accepted

115.190 To address the teacher shortage, consider working, where appropriate, with bilateral partners and relevant United Nations agencies, such as the United Nations Children’s Fund, to attract and train volunteer teachers (Singapore); Accepted

115.191 Strengthen measures to further promote the right to education, especially to ensure sufficient teachers and school facilities in remote areas (Viet Nam); Accepted

115.192 Continue its exerted effort to empower women for more participation in all levels of decision-making (Myanmar); Accepted

115.193 Continue its efforts to empower women in decision-making roles at all levels (Pakistan); Accepted

115.194 Continue to implement measures to improve the political participation of women (Philippines); Accepted

115.195 Continue consolidating national mechanisms that enable greater participation of and equality for women, as well as promotion and protection of the rights and well-being of women and girls (Dominican Republic); Accepted

115.196 Continue efforts to ensure gender equality and build an appropriate environment to promote women’s empowerment (Tunisia); Accepted

115.197 Enhance endeavours to increase women’s participation in public affairs and economic development (Cambodia); Accepted

115.198 Take measures to increase the representation of women in politics, particularly applying the 25 per cent quota for the representation of women at all levels of government (Canada); Accepted

115.199 Continue adopting and implementing national plans to empower women in all spheres of life (Azerbaijan); Accepted

115.200 Ensure that all girls and women, especially those living in rural and remote areas, have access to education, eliminate discriminatory stereotypes keeping girls from attending school and build awareness among parents and local authorities on the importance of education for women (Algeria); Accepted

115.201 Continue measures of promoting and protecting the rights of women and children, including awareness-raising and training (Bhutan); Accepted

115.202 Continue efforts to develop a comprehensive child protection system with specific budget allocation, human resources and adequate follow-up mechanisms to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Fiji); Accepted

115.203 Continue the satisfactory progress, and the reform of the judicial and legal framework, related to the rights of the child (Nicaragua); Accepted

115.204 Adopt a comprehensive strategy to eliminate discrimination against children in marginalized or vulnerable situations (Timor-Leste); Accepted

115.205 Take measures to further develop a comprehensive national policy and strategy for child protection with the aim of eliminating discrimination against children in marginalized or vulnerable situations, including girls (Bulgaria); Accepted

115.206 Foster efforts to strengthen child protection and protect children against violence (Tunisia); Accepted

115.207 Prohibit all forms of corporal punishment of children in all settings (Uruguay); Accepted

115.208 Ensure that corporal punishment of children, however light, is explicitly prohibited in the Penal Code (Zambia); Accepted

115.209 Expand and accelerate implementation of existing frameworks in order to reduce the high rates of child marriage in rural areas (Iceland); Accepted

115.210 Take steps with a view to prohibiting early and forced marriage (Cyprus); Accepted

115.211 Establish legislation to effectively criminalize child marriage and adopt effective measures to eliminate such practice (Chile); Accepted

115.212 Implement programmes and measures to end early pregnancy among and forced and early marriage of girls, in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal targets 5.3 and 5.4 (Paraguay); Accepted

115.213 Guarantee the strict application of the family law prohibiting early marriage and polygamy, particularly in rural and ethnic communities (Spain); Accepted

115.214 Reform legislation to prohibit forced marriage and put an end to impunity for perpetrators of violence against women and girls (France); Accepted

115.215 Take immediate actions to criminalize the sexual exploitation, abuse and sale of children (Cyprus); Accepted

115.216 Adopt legal provisions to criminalize all forms of sexual exploitation of children in compliance with international legal standards, specifically on sexual exploitation of children in prostitution and online child sexual exploitation, in order to afford substantive protection to all children, including those belonging to ethnic minorities (Poland); Accepted

115.217 Adopt legislative measures to ensure that all forms of sexual abuse, exploitation and sale of children are prohibited and criminalized (Denmark); Accepted

115.218  Increase efforts to prevent child sexual exploitation (Timor-Leste); Accepted

115.219  Adopt legislative measures to criminalize all forms of sexual abuse, violence, exploitation and sale of children (Estonia); Accepted

115.220 Prohibit child labour in accordance with international norms and standards, including by setting the minimum age for employment at 14 years, without exceptions, and take specific measures to ensure and stimulate that all children, including girls, attend school, in particular in rural and remote areas (Portugal); Accepted

115.221 Adopt legal and administrative provisions for the issuance of birth certificates free of charge, as well as for the establishment of civil registration offices in all districts, with a particular focus on rural areas (Mexico); Accepted

115.222 Allocate financial and human resources to implement the national plan of action for persons with disabilities (Syrian Arab Republic); Accepted

115.223 Allocate financial and human resources to implement the national plan of action for persons with disabilities (Timor-Leste); Accepted

115.224 Continue its actions and initiatives to implement the national plan of action for persons with disabilities (Benin); Accepted

115.225 Consider developing an efficient system for identifying and addressing the individual support needs of children with disabilities (Bulgaria); Accepted

115.226 Ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are protected, and any attacks on them are subject to prompt, thorough and independent investigation (Afghanistan). Accepted