A/HRC/27/15 43. Armenia expressed appreciation for the legislative and institutional initiatives taken by Qatar to improve human rights, its policy of promoting tolerance and diversity and its programmes to raise awareness of human rights. It was concerned that Qatar had not yet ratified some international human rights instruments, including the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. 44. Australia commended Qatar on its issuance of a standing invitation to all special procedures mandate holders. It welcomed the efforts of Qatar to improve the situation of migrant workers, and the interest it had shown in acceding to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 45. Austria commended Qatar on its efforts to ratify human rights treaties, its cooperation with the United Nations and its promotion of press freedom. It remained concerned that migrant workers could be prevented from leaving the country by their employers. 46. Azerbaijan noted that Qatar had strengthened its normative and institutional human rights framework. It expressed appreciation for the endorsement by Qatar of the 2011-2014 Strategic Plan of the NHRC and its adoption of the Human Trafficking Act in 2011. 47. Bangladesh praised Qatar for the progress made in empowering women, for its legislation on health and education, and for the protection of the family and children under the Overall Family Strategy. It wished to know how Qatar aimed to improve the situation of foreign workers. 48. Belgium welcomed the follow-up by Qatar on implementation of the recommendations of the first UPR cycle and its cooperation with the Human Rights Council. It expressed its continuing concern in respect of the situation of migrant workers. 49. Benin congratulated Qatar on its efforts to implement the recommendations of the first cycle, notably through action against human trafficking, the creation of the Health and Education Fund and the adoption of the Health and Social Security Act. 50. Brazil noted that Qatar had withdrawn reservations to the Convention against Torture in the context of follow-up to the previous recommendations, and encouraged additional progress in women’s rights and gender equality. It expressed concern at the situation of migrant workers. 51. Brunei Darussalam welcomed the continued commitment of Qatar to human rights, as well as the legislative measures taken, the development of the National Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2011-2016. 52. Burkina Faso noted the progress achieved by Qatar in implementing the recommendations that it had accepted in 2010, including by the adoption of the Human Trafficking Act of 2011 and the introduction of a definition of torture in the Criminal Code. It noted the contribution made by Qatar to combating poverty through development aid. 53. Canada asked about tangible steps taken to implement the recommendations accepted by Qatar following the previous review regarding women’s rights and the prevention of discrimination and violence against women. It encouraged Qatar to pursue its efforts to prevent and punish domestic violence in order to meet targets by 2016. 54. Chad welcomed the adjustments made by Qatar with regard to human rights pursuant to the recommendations of the first cycle, including the introduction of antihuman trafficking legislation and the creation of a national commission for the implementation of international humanitarian law. 8