A/HRC/19/3 79. Romania noted efforts to combat poverty and commended Tajikistan on the ratification of the ICCPR and the law introducing a moratorium on the death penalty. It also noted positively the adoption of laws on women’s empowerment and the increasing number of women in public office. However, it pointed to implementation deficiencies reported by treaty bodies and expressed concern about corporal punishment. Romania made recommendations. 80. Malaysia commended Tajikistan for it cooperation with OHCHR and the treaty bodies. It also noted the Government’s efforts to enhance the socio-economic development of its people, evidenced by its national poverty-reduction strategies and the strong emphasis on social infrastructure, public health care and education. Malaysia made recommendations. 81. Pakistan was encouraged to note that the Constitution guarantees the rights and freedoms of every person. It noted that poverty poses a major challenge. It acknowledged the steps taken to provide equal opportunities for men and women, and hoped that the State programme for the education, selection and placement of capable women in leadership positions would ensure wider participation of women in the development of society. Pakistan made recommendations. 82. Latvia noted with appreciation Tajikistan’s openness and willingness to cooperate with special procedures mandate holders and made a related recommendation. 83. Costa Rica congratulated Tajikistan for the significant reduction in poverty in the last years, the implementation of human rights education and the moratorium on the death penalty. However, it expressed concern that the death penalty provision is still in force, women still faced discrimination, in practice, and at reports of a high incidence of torture and ill treatment. Costa Rica made recommendations. 84. Mexico acknowledged the steps taken by Tajikistan to promote universal access to health and public education, as well as to guarantee food security. In particular, it commended the decision to apply a moratorium on the death penalty and hoped that it would be promptly abolished. Mexico made recommendations. 85. Thailand commended Tajikistan for its cooperation with treaty bodies and the Human Rights Council mechanisms. It also recognised the Government’s efforts to protect the rights of vulnerable groups, and appreciated its guarantee of free health-care provision and the promulgation of the HIV/AIDS Act. Thailand called on the international community to assist Tajikistan to promote and protect human rights. It made recommendations. 86. Belgium noted that the judiciary system was not provided with sufficient guarantees of independence. Belgium made recommendations. 87. Italy requested the Tajik delegation to elaborate on the alleged abuses and violations of human rights during the conscription process and when young people were already serving the military. It shared concerns expressed by the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. Italy made recommendations. II. Conclusions and/or recommendations** 88. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue and listed below have been examined by and enjoy the support of Tajikistan: ** 12 Conclusions and recommendations have not been edited.