A/HRC/40/17 intersex persons. It expressed concern about traditional stereotypes and the lack of progress on gender equality. 42. Botswana commended Malta for its ratification of the Istanbul Convention and for its efforts to establish a national human rights institution. It noted, however, the challenges in addressing racism, gender equality and trafficking in persons. 43. Brazil commended Malta for its achievements in the areas of social inclusion, poverty reduction and access to education and for adopting laws to combat violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, including legalizing samesex marriage and protecting the right of transgender persons to their gender identity. 44. Bulgaria commended Malta for its commitment to promote the representation of women in political and public life. It noted the adoption of the Child Protection (Alternative Care) Act and the National Children’s Policy. It noted several measures taken by Malta to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, including the adoption of legislation to ensure their inclusion in the governing bodies of public entities. 45. Cameroon noted with appreciation the commitment of Malta to support the United Nations instruments related to the protection and promotion of human rights. 46. Canada welcomed the steps taken by Malta to protect and strengthen the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and the adoption of a number of laws, strategies and policies, particularly with regard to the rights of women and migrants. 47. Chile welcomed the ratification of various human rights treaties. It urged Malta to establish a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles. It expressed concern about persisting violence against and racial discrimination of migrants. 48. China commended Malta for its commitment to safeguard the human rights of its people, adopt measures against discrimination, racism and trafficking in persons, protect the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children and persons with disabilities, and promote gender equality and social inclusiveness. 49. Costa Rica noted the commitment of the Government to combat violence against women and trafficking in persons and to protect the rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. It urged Malta to continue those efforts. It was concerned about the lack of progress in dealing with statelessness and the low participation rate of women in public life and senior decision-making positions. 50. Côte d’Ivoire welcomed the efforts of the Government to improve the situation of human rights and strengthen the normative and institutional framework. It encouraged Malta to continue its reforms aimed at improving the situation of women, children and migrants. 51. Croatia welcomed the adoption of the National Strategic Policy for Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion for 2014 to 2024. It concurred with the observations of the Human Rights Committee that further efforts should be made to prosecute the perpetrators of violence against women and children. 52. Cyprus commended Malta for its efforts to promote gender equality and enhance the participation of women in the labour market and public life. It also welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. 53. Czechia welcomed the measures taken to improve the treatment of prisoners and detainees and to strengthen the independence, impartiality and transparency of the judicial system through constitutional amendments. It encouraged Malta to continue those efforts. 54. Denmark commended the efforts of Malta to protect freedom of expression, including the adoption of the new Media and Defamation Act. It was concerned, however, about the state of media freedom and the safety of journalists, in the light of the assassination of the investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. 55. Egypt commended Malta for its continued efforts to promote and protect human rights. It welcomed the efforts of Malta to protect the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, in particular refraining from the detention of children and women. 6