A/HRC/40/17 accordance with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles). It noted advances in judicial reform and urged Malta to give further attention to the slowness of judicial progress. 30. The United States of America commended the Media and Defamation Act, abolishing criminal libel. It encouraged Malta to address terrorist financing, moneylaundering and corruption in banking supervision. It noted that the ongoing investigation of the murder of the journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia had revealed challenges to the rule of law. 31. Uruguay welcomed the progress made in protecting the rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, particularly in the treatment of unaccompanied minors, migrant families with children and pregnant women. It commended Malta for the legislative measures taken to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. 32. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela commended Malta for the progress made in the protection of the rights of children and persons with disabilities, ensuring equality, including gender equality, in public and political life, and combating discrimination and racism. It noted the efforts of the Government to establish a national human rights institution. 33. Viet Nam noted with appreciation the progress achieved in protecting and promoting human rights since the second review cycle, in particular the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities. 34. Afghanistan commended the efforts of the Government in combating trafficking in persons, including through the development of victim assistance services, the training of government officials, public awareness-raising initiatives and the establishment of a national referral mechanism. 35. Albania welcomed the legislative measures taken to protect the rights of children, women and persons with disabilities. It commended Malta for the reforms to the justice sector, including reinforcement of the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, and for the project to decriminalize defamation. It inquired about the measures taken to protect the safety of journalists. 36. Algeria noted with appreciation the efforts of the Government to protect and promote human rights. It encouraged Malta to establish a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles and to make further efforts to fully protect individuals from all forms of discrimination. 37. Argentina noted with appreciation the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. 38. Australia welcomed the efforts made to enhance the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and increase female participation in the workforce. It commended Malta on the adoption of a strategy and law on gender-based violence and domestic violence. It encouraged Malta to incentivize female workforce participation and to strengthen the representation of women in leadership and management positions and to focus on care for older persons. 39. Austria commended Malta for ratifying the Istanbul Convention and the progress made in protecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. It was concerned about the killing of the journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and asked about the measures taken to ensure the safety of journalists and their protection from threats, intimidation and violence. 40. Belarus noted the ratification of a number of human rights treaties and the implementation of a national action plan on trafficking in persons. It noted its concerns in relation to the manifestations of racism and xenophobia against migrants and the detention of irregular migrants, and detainees’ access to a lawyer and their unsatisfactory conditions of detention. 41. Belgium congratulated Malta for the integration of persons with disabilities and for successfully promoting and protecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and 5