A/HRC/24/12 106. Indonesia applauded Bangladesh for its robust normative and institutional reforms since 2009. It welcomed its many positive measures in favour of groups requiring special protection and its steps to maintain a “zero tolerance” policy towards human rights violation. 107. The Islamic Republic of Iran commended Bangladesh for its significant progress in promoting and protecting human rights since the UPR 1 st cycle and its multiple initiatives, especially in the areas of health care and child mortality. 108. Iraq congratulated Bangladesh on acceding to the CRPD since the UPR 1st cycle and on its efforts related to human rights, health and education. It asked what measures had been taken to strengthen gender equality. 109. Ireland welcomed Bangladesh’s ratification of the Rome Statute, its efforts to address prison overcrowding and its leading role in Climate Change and Human Rights. It encouraged Bangladesh to establish a moratorium on executions. 110. Italy noted with apprehension that child labour, sexual violence and exploitation remained widespread in Bangladesh. It welcomed the National Education Policy and the draft Children’s Act, which prohibited the death penalty for minors. 111. Japan applauded Bangladesh’s enhancement of NHRC functions and its empowerment of women. It welcomed its “zero tolerance” policy on human rights violations. It encouraged it to submit reports to treaty bodies, including the Committee Against Torture (CAT) and the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR). 112. Jordan commended Bangladesh for its efforts to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, especially its ratification of international conventions and strengthening of its institutional framework through Human Rights, Anti-corruption and National Election Commissions. 113. Kyrgyzstan noted Bangladesh’s reforms to strengthen its legislative, institutional and policy mechanisms, especially in combatting human trafficking, smuggling and related crimes, and its draft legislation to protect persons with disabilities. 114. Latvia appreciated Bangladesh’s invitation to several special procedures mandate holders, but noted that a significant number of requests had not yet been accepted. It welcomed its ratification of the ICC Rome Statute. 115. Lebanon recognized Bangladesh’s sincere efforts to strengthen human rights through new laws, policies and practices, and to uphold its obligations to implement UPR 1 st cycle recommendations. 116. Libya valued Bangladesh’s policy aimed at strengthening cooperation with international law and respect for human rights, evidenced by its ratification of various international instruments. It welcomed its efforts to improve occupational safety and access to health care, its increased education budget and implementation of its 2010 education strategy. 117. Malaysia commended Bangladesh for its continued commitment to improve the human rights situation and its significant progress in health, education, poverty reduction, women’s and children’s rights. 118. Maldives welcomed Bangladesh’s adoption of laws aimed at promoting human rights and appreciated its efforts to cooperate with Special Procedures and Mandate Holders. Maldives commend the Government for its achievements, given the number of challenges it faced, and was encouraged by its commitment to further enhance human rights in the country. 12