A/HRC/36/4 20. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomed the fact that from 2006 to 2016 1.5 million people had been lifted out of poverty and that between 2008 and 2016 investment in education had increased almost 300 per cent. 21. Algeria welcomed the State’s effective engagement to promote women’s participation in public life and improve the system of social rehabilitation, including by improving the prison infrastructure and establishing a new management model. 22. Angola welcomed the National Plan for Good Living 2013-2017, the 2012 Organic Act on Disabilities and the policies aimed at eradicating poverty. Angola noted with concern inequalities between different social groups. 23. Argentina welcomed the adoption of the national education plan 2016-2025. It noted that special attention should be paid to the fight against impunity. 24. Armenia commended the adoption of legislation setting the minimum age of marriage at 18 and encouraged Ecuador to address sexual violence against girls in the education system and update the national plan to combat trafficking and sexual and labour exploitation. 25. Australia was concerned by the high incidence of violence against women, while noting the steps taken to combat gender-based violence. It was further concerned by the removal and appointment of judges through mechanisms that might be perceived as undermining judicial independence. 26. Azerbaijan noted that, further to the recommendation it had made during the second review cycle concerning measures aimed at reducing poverty, Ecuador had made efforts and increased investment in social programmes, despite budgetary constraints. 27. The Bahamas noted the remarkable reduction in poverty and inequality. It considered noteworthy the increased political participation of women, reductions in unemployment and pretrial detention and championing of disability rights. 28. Bangladesh noted the reduction in income inequality during the previous decade. It considered the State’s model of universal health-care access and promotion of migrant’s rights to be exemplary. It noted that the independence of the judiciary was the cornerstone fundamental to ensuring human rights. 29. Belarus welcomed the measures guaranteeing socioeconomic rights, including by increasing the funding for and coverage of the social welfare system. Further efforts in the field of education would create favourable conditions for full and active participation in public life. 30. Belgium welcomed the measures to combat forced child labour and the increased budgets for education and children’s health. It expressed concern regarding the growing obstacles to freedom of expression and association and to the work of human rights defenders. 31. The Plurinational State of Bolivia welcomed legislative measures to fight discrimination and reforms promoting the right to good living, such as the reduction in illiteracy, particularly among indigenous women and the rural population. 32. Botswana noted the State’s efforts to improve the criminal justice system, but expressed concerns regarding the frequent use by the Council of the Judiciary of the internal disciplinary system to dismiss judges and the imposition of harsh sentences on government critics and opposition members. 33. Brazil commended the ratification of the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. It welcomed the criminalization of torture and offences referred to in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. 34. Canada welcomed the adoption of certain laws on freedom of association and civic space. It encouraged Ecuador to further its efforts to ensure the full alignment of the State’s domestic laws with its international human rights obligations. 4