A/HRC/40/4 20. Azerbaijan congratulated Saudi Arabia for its commitment to the review process and welcomed the measures taken to prevent and combat human trafficking. 21. Bahrain commended the steps taken by Saudi Arabia to protect human rights, particularly its engagement with the human rights treaties to which it was a party through its submission of periodic reports. 22. Bangladesh commended the ongoing efforts to ensure fundamental human rights for Saudi citizens and resident foreign nationals. It appreciated the global humanitarian support provided by Saudi Arabia. 23. Belarus noted the establishment of a standing committee for the preparation of reports and for follow-up to recommendations made by international human rights mechanisms. It commended efforts made to combat trafficking in persons. 24. Australia deplored the killing of Jamal Khashoggi and expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Yemen and about reports of the detention of human rights advocates and government critics. 25. The Plurinational State of Bolivia welcomed the work of the high-level governmental committee that was studying the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, with a view to their accession. 26. Botswana recognized the efforts made to protect human rights, but noted that challenges remained, including violence against women and children, forced labour and early marriage. 27. Brazil commended the progress made in the promotion of women’s rights and encouraged Saudi Arabia to foster an open environment for civil society. It called for an investigation into the death of Jamal Khashoggi. 28. Brunei Darussalam welcomed the adoption of national strategies on water, food security and the environment, and applauded the improvements made to the education system. 29. Burkina Faso commended the institutional and legal framework established to protect human rights. It encouraged Saudi Arabia to strengthen efforts to bring the Human Rights Commission into line with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles), and to reinforce the independence of the judiciary. 30. Burundi welcomed the measures taken to ensure the full enjoyment of women’s rights and the right to education, and to improve health services. 31. Canada was concerned by the extrajudicial killing of Jamal Khashoggi. It encouraged Saudi Arabia to continue its efforts to ensure women’s participation in public, political and family life. 32. Chile welcomed the efforts made by Saudi Arabia, but remained concerned by, inter alia, restrictions on freedom of expression and the application of the death penalty to minors. 33. China appreciated the formulation of Saudi Vision 2030 and the efforts in economic and social development and judicial reforms. 34. The Comoros congratulated Saudi Arabia on its efforts to further harmonize its legislation with its international human rights obligations. 35. Costa Rica thanked Saudi Arabia for the information presented on the updating of the Criminal Procedure Act and welcomed the measures taken to promote women’s rights. 36. Côte d’Ivoire appreciated the reform of legislation and national institutions. It welcomed efforts made in the areas of development and the environment, and the adoption of Saudi Vision 2030. 4