A/HRC/23/4 was concerned about allegations against police officers, and urged Tonga to take further measures in this regard, and to repeal all provisions that criminalize consensual same-sex conduct. It made recommendations. 52. The United States of America was concerned about Tonga’s failure to adequately combat domestic violence and discrimination against women. It commended the Police Force and the Ministry of Justice for adopting a “no drop” policy. Conversely, it was concerned that children born in wedlock cannot be legally and fully adopted and that consensual sex between same sex adults is criminalized. It made recommendations. 53. Uruguay acknowledged Tonga’s accession to ICCPR and ICESCR. It was concerned that Tonga was not a party to CEDAW and considered that Tonga’s accession to this convention would be an important step in adjusting national standards to universal standards. It made recommendations. 54. Viet Nam noted the efforts and seriousness of Tonga in protecting and promoting human rights and in implementing the recommendations of the UPR first cycle. It commended Tonga, a developing country, on achievements in constitution building, legislative reform and implementation of the Millennium Development Goals. It made recommendations. 55. Algeria noted Tonga’s legislative reforms and the establishment of a new parliamentary system. However, it also noted that, while Tongan Courts already apply some core human rights conventions, ratification would be useful to their further advancement. It appreciated Tonga’s positive steps in promoting women’s participation in public life. However, no women have yet been elected to Parliament and their economic empowerment faces persistent challenges in relation to low employment levels and wage gaps. It made recommendations. 56. Angola acknowledged legislation adopted regarding the rights of persons with disabilities and the right to education, and welcomed the efforts made by Tonga in promoting and protecting the rights of women, including those pertaining to employment, and especially the new policy of the civil service commission, which includes increased maternity leave for civil servants. It also welcomed Tonga’s Strategic Development Framework 2011-2014, including greater autonomy for women. It made a recommendation. 57. Argentina congratulated Tonga on the establishment of the Food, Women and Community Youth Development Division and commended the implementation of the Young Emerging Leaders Programme aimed at preparing young people to be human rights defenders. It made recommendations. 58. Australia commended Tonga’s reforms since 2010. It considered that Tonga needs to extend its efforts to fully achieve Millennium Development Goal 3, despite its progress to meet gender equality in education. Australia commended Tonga’s efforts to promote gender equality and for progressing work on a Family Protection Bill, nevertheless, rates of domestic violence remain high. Australia noted that the death penalty remains applicable; however, it recognized that Tonga is abolitionist in practice. It made recommendations. 59. Bhutan applauded Tonga’s strides in meeting the challenges and constraints it faced by promoting the political, economic and social rights of its population and protecting women, children and persons with disabilities, including the reforms of 2010. It noted Tonga’s efforts to advance the position of women and combat gender-based violence and discrimination. It made recommendations. 60. Brazil appreciated the reforms initiated in Tonga, including the information policy of 2012. It welcomed Tonga’s submission to public consultation of a bill to address violence against women; adoption of this bill would be an important step towards further protection of human rights. It also welcomed Tonga’s efforts to accede to CEDAW. It 10