A/HRC/36/4 77. Mozambique noted the devastating consequences of the earthquake in 2016. It commended Ecuador for its efforts to reduce poverty and for its successful implementation of a gender-affirmative policy. 78. Myanmar commended Ecuador for its active engagement with the United Nations human rights mechanisms and for its efforts to ensure equal access and opportunities to vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities. 79. Namibia noted that despite the 2016 earthquake, Ecuador had made progress in the areas of poverty eradication, education, health and the protection of vulnerable groups. Namibia could benefit from the State’s experience in reducing the inequality gap. 80. The Netherlands noted the State’s engagement in the area of business and human rights. It noted that the separation of powers between the executive and the judicial branches of government, the space for civil society and the protection of human rights by businesses did not meet international standards. 81. Nicaragua noted with appreciation the Millennium Development Goals that had been attained by Ecuador, the reduction in inequality and the advances in the field of the right to education, among others. 82. Norway noted measures taken in line with the recommendations made during the previous review and the progress made in promoting the rights of women. 83. Pakistan noted the efforts of Ecuador to implement the recommendations received during the previous universal periodic review and to promote and protect human rights. 84. Panama acknowledged the State’s efforts to eradicate statelessness and its accession to the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. Panama also highlighted the enactment of legislation on a standardized identity document for both nationals and foreigners. 85. Paraguay welcomed the criminalization of femicide and of discrimination on grounds of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity. It also welcomed the implementation of the national plan to eradicate gender-based violence against women, children and adolescents. 86. Peru appreciated the significant reduction in poverty and inequality, the significant progress made in health coverage and education and the measures taken to include persons with disability. 87. The Philippines commended Ecuador for reducing inequality and increasing investment in public education. It noted the State’s continued commitment to human rights, despite the challenges resulting from the 2016 earthquake. 88. Portugal commended the implementation of the National Plan for Good Living 2013-2017, the 2012 Organic Act on Disabilities and the national plan to eradicate genderbased violence against women, children and adolescents. 89. The Republic of Korea welcomed the comprehensive legislation and policy framework for the elimination of discrimination against women, persons with disabilities and minorities. It encouraged Ecuador to continue its efforts to improve national laws and policies so as to ensure full respect for human rights. 90. The Russian Federation noted the implementation of recommendations from the previous review, the Government’s efforts to combat corruption and the results of various social projects. 91. Sierra Leone commended the State’s efforts to promote human rights, notably through its national education plan 2016-2025 and the Comprehensive Criminal Code. It noted reports on poverty and the marginalization of Afro-Ecuadorians. 92. Singapore commended the efforts of Ecuador in dealing with the devastating earthquake. It recognized the commitment to eradicating poverty and raising the standard of living through programmes such as My First Job. 8