A/HRC/44/16 15. The Green State Development Strategy placed the country on a sustainable development path that called for increased investments in governance, education, health and infrastructure. Furthermore, in addition to other legislation and programmes, the Strategy reinforced and supplemented the readiness of Guyana for environmental protection, climate change and prevention of disasters. 16. The delegation of Guyana expressed appreciation for the support it had received over the years from the United Nations system, the Commonwealth and other multilateral and bilateral partners. It also acknowledged the support received through the voluntary fund for participation in the universal periodic review and the voluntary technical assistance trust fund to support the participation of least developed countries and small island developing States in the work of the Human Rights Council. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 17. During the interactive dialogue, 76 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 18. Mexico noted the policies put in place by Guyana to prevent and combat trafficking in persons and to assist victims. In addition, it celebrated the Green State Development Strategy. 19. Montenegro commended the efforts of Guyana to achieve universal birth registration. It noted with concern reports of discrimination on various grounds, including ethnicity, disability, gender identity and health status and urged Guyana to improve the institutional and policy framework to combat discrimination. 20. Myanmar took note of the firm commitment of Guyana to ensure the human rights of its citizens, and recognized its efforts to implement the recommendations it had received during the second review cycle. 21. Nepal welcomed the measures taken by Guyana to address the needs of persons with disabilities, including children with disabilities, provide sustainable housing for low-income families, combat the HIV epidemic and ensure free education up to secondary level. 22. The Netherlands commended the steps taken by Guyana to fight gender-based discrimination and sexual violence. However, it noted that more efforts were needed to address the pervasive patriarchal attitudes and stereotypes that were at the heart of the issue. It remained concerned about the situation of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community. 23. Nigeria took positive note of the justice and security sector reforms implemented by Guyana, as well as of the measures taken to combat domestic and sexual violence. It also acknowledged the efforts of Guyana in the field of health, education and combating trafficking in persons. 24. Pakistan appreciated the Green State Development Strategy of Guyana, which set out specific development targets and focused on promoting green growth and sustainable development. It also appreciated the efforts of Guyana on the themes of indigenous peoples, health services and social cohesion. 25. Panama welcomed the ratification by Guyana of several international instruments related to the protection of children, as well as the implementation of initiatives aimed at eradicating child labour, achieving universal school enrolment, promoting gender equality and guaranteeing the supply of drinking water and sanitation in the country. 26. Paraguay encouraged Guyana to promote an equitable distribution of family and domestic responsibilities between women and men. It also noted that the recommendations made by Paraguay during the second review cycle had not yet been implemented, including those recommendations accepted by Guyana. 27. Peru recognized the progress made by Guyana, in particular regarding gender parity in primary and secondary education. It also highlighted the strong role of Guyana in promoting democracy and the rule of law in the region. 4