A/HRC/19/3 61. Australia commended Tajikistan for the establishment of the Ombudsman institution and for the ratification of a number of core human rights treaties. It called on Tajikistan to implement commitments under those treaties at domestic level. It welcomed the draft law on domestic violence but remained concerned about reports of violence against women, forced marriages, child labour and trafficking. Other concerns related to the lack of a definition of torture and the persistence of the death penalty in domestic law. Australia made recommendations. 62. Germany enquired what steps had been taken to recognize the right to conscientious objection to compulsory military service, improve the conditions of enrolment and provide an alternative civil service. It noted that the national provision prohibiting unregistered religious activities was incompatible with international standards, observing that the registration requirements prescribed by the Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Associations were too extensive. Germany made recommendations. 63. Slovenia asked whether the Tajik Government intended to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to ICCPR and abolish the death penalty. After expressing concerns about, inter alia, patriarchal traditions, domestic violence and the role of women, Slovenia enquired whether further measures would be taken to combat prejudices against women. Slovenia welcomed the prohibition of hiring children for cotton harvesting, but enquired as to whether Tajikistan prohibited other forms of child labour. Slovenia made recommendations. 64. Japan commended Tajikistan for its ratification status in relation to human rights treaties. It expressed concern about allegations of torture and stressed the need for awareness raising, capacity building and improvement of the legislation in this area. It noted that despite policy developments, the gender gap still persisted. Japan made recommendations. 65. Brazil acknowledged Tajikistan’s efforts to reduce poverty, but noted that there was a lack of funding for education, health care and social welfare. It welcomed the moratorium on the death penalty. While positively noting the free public secondary education, it observed a decline in the enrolment of girls in schools. Brazil recognized the steps taken in the field of gender equality but observed that patriarchal traditions and stereotypes were a structural source of discrimination. Brazil made recommendations. 66. Bangladesh welcomed the cooperation of Tajikistan with the Human Rights Council mechanisms and its efforts to combat trafficking in persons. It also commended the Government for the establishment of the Human Rights Ombudsman institution and took note of the programmes and initiatives to ensure the increased participation and equal treatment of women. It indicated that further progress needed to be made in economic areas. Bangladesh made recommendations. 67. The United States of America commended Tajikistan for its ratification status and efforts to prevent torture. It expressed concern regarding the Parental Responsibility Law and other provisions on religious freedom. It was concerned about continuing attacks on journalists and the use of lawsuits against them. It made recommendations. 68. Saudi Arabia noted that Tajikistan had acceded to most human rights instruments and submitted periodic reports on their implementation, thereby demonstrating its eagerness to cooperate with the international human rights mechanisms. Saudi Arabia highlighted efforts in the area of education, including steps to improve the quality of primary education. Saudi Arabia made recommendations. 69. Belarus welcomed Tajikistan’s commitment to human rights and noted the high number of core human rights treaties ratified by Tajikistan. It acknowledged efforts made by Tajikistan to fight human trafficking. Belarus made recommendations. 10