A/HRC/23/13 108. Turkmenistan appreciated the United Arab Emirates’ accession to CAT, CRPD and the Palermo Protocol. It was pleased to note that a number of Special Procedures had visited the United Arab Emirates at the invitation of its Government. It made recommendations. 109. Germany enquired about the status concerning accession to OP-CRC-SC and OPCRC-AC and regarding the establishment of an independent human rights institution. It enquired whether the legislation to combat information technology crimes contained safeguards against undue infringement of freedom of expression. It welcomed steps to strengthen the status of women. Germany made recommendations. 110. The United States of America commended the United Arab Emirates on enhancing migrant worker protection, including procedures to identify victims of forced labour, and its Virtual Global Task Force to protect against online abuse and sexual exploitation. However, it remained concerned that political activists had been arrested and held without charge. It made recommendations. 111. Uruguay highlighted progress made through the incorporation of human rights issues in governmental departments. It noted that certain legal provisions were detrimental to the rights of women. It noted also the complicated situation of human rights defenders in the country. It made recommendations. 112. Uzbekistan welcomed United Arab Emirates’ accession to CAT and consideration of signing OP-CRC-SC and OP-CRC-AC. It took a positive view of efforts in combating human trafficking, in particular accession of the country to the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children. In this regard Uzbekistan asked the United Arab Emirates about its plans to promote further international cooperation. 113. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) noted the significant increase in the budget allocation for health and the implementation of strategic programmes to combat chronic disease. It highlighted the considerable reduction in infant mortality. It asked what efforts were being made regarding the protection of persons with HIV/AIDS. It made a recommendation. 114. Viet Nam commended the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, its establishment of the Committee to combat human trafficking and interrelated strategies to promote women’s and children’s rights. It applauded the United Arab Emirates’ high ranking in the human rights-related lists and its international cooperation. It made a recommendation. 115. Algeria welcomed the ratification of CAT and CRPD and progress towards accession to OP-CRC-SC/AC, as well as the study to establish an NHRI. It noted policies to promote economic, social and cultural rights, especially regarding foreign workers and advancement of women. It made recommendations. 116. Angola noted with satisfaction the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to promoting and protecting women’s rights, reflected by the increase in women occupying positions within ministerial, diplomatic and judicial institutions, and in the police and armed forces. It commended the United Arab Emirates’ accession to CAT and CRPD. It made a recommendation. 117. Argentina applauded the establishment of the Centre for Child Protection within the Ministry of the Interior, the creation of the Committee to combat the crime of trafficking in persons, and the ratification of CAT. It made recommendations. 118. Liechtenstein was concerned that corporal punishment of children was lawful within the family and as a sentence for crime. It made recommendations. 14