A/HRC/21/12 56. Argentina commended the Philippines’ Development Plan 2011-2016, its progress in providing a legal framework to promote, among others, the rights of women and children and its Human Rights Plan 2012-2017. Argentina made recommendations. 57. Australia commended the Philippines’ Human Rights Plan 2012-2017, the recent opening of an office of the Commission on Human Rights in the Muslim Mindanao region and ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. It expressed concern about impunity in cases of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and encouraged transparency and accountability. Australia made recommendations. 58. Austria commended the Philippines’ enactment of the Magna Carta of women and the Anti-Torture Act. It welcomed ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the Rome Statute. Austria voiced concern about violations in the areas of torture, ill-treatment, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and harassment. It mentioned attacks on journalists and media workers and issues of impunity. Austria made recommendations. 59. Azerbaijan commended the Philippines’ Human Rights Plan 2012-2017 and its monitoring of the Magna Carta of Women. It appreciated the Government’s engagement with civil society, particularly the National Human Rights Forum series. Azerbaijan praised efforts to combat human trafficking and requested information on the development of its 2011-2016 Action Plan. 60. Bahrain commended the Philippines’ Development Plan 2011-2016, implementation of the Millennium Development Goals and the work of the National Committee to combat poverty. It requested information particularly on the success of the Pantawid Pamilya programme. Bahrain made a recommendation. 61. Bangladesh welcomed the Philippines’ ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Rome Statute, the enactment of the Magna Carta of Women, the Pantawid Pamilya programme and efforts made to combat poverty. Bangladesh requested information on the constraints and difficulties encountered vis-à-vis the rights of Filipino migrant workers abroad. Bangladesh made recommendations. 62. Belarus noted with satisfaction the measures to improve legislation and to establish institutions to monitor and oversee compliance with human rights obligations and to ensure access to justice for citizens with low incomes. It commended the Government’s commitment to and progress made in combatting human trafficking. Belarus made recommendations. 63. Belgium congratulated the Philippines’ ratification of the Rome Statute and its accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. It encouraged the Philippines to reinforce its efforts to combat impunity. It enquired about measures that have been taken or that are planned to record and document cases of extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances. Belgium made recommendations. 64. Brazil noted the Philippines’ ratification of the Rome Statute, the launch of the Human Rights Plan 2012-2017, the Pantawid Pamilya programme, the Development Plan 2011-2016 to reduce poverty, as well as initiatives to broaden the mandate of the Filipino Commission on Human Rights to include economic, social and cultural rights. Brazil made a recommendation. 65. Brunei Darussalam commended the Philippines’ implementation of recommendations from the 2008 UPR and for actively pursuing efforts to further the rights of women and children through the enactment of several laws. It congratulated the Philippines on its National Strategic Plan of Action against Trafficking in Persons (20112016). Brunei Darussalam made recommendations. 9