A/HRC/42/12 90. Kazakhstan welcomed the efforts of Costa Rica in the fields of education, health care and protection of the rights of children, women, persons with disabilities and indigenous people. It noted the adoption of the national policy against racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia. 91. Kyrgyzstan welcomed the steps taken by Costa Rica to address poverty and gender issues, as well as the ratification of the ILO Domestic Workers Convention and the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 92. Madagascar welcomed the implementation by Costa Rica of the policy for access to justice of persons of African descent. However, it noted the prevalence of structural discrimination against indigenous persons and persons of African descent, refugees and persons with disabilities. 93. Maldives commended the institutional and legislative measures taken by Costa Rica for the promotion and protection of human rights and was encouraged by the Government’s commitment to gender equality. 94. Malta took positive note of the strides Costa Rica had made in promoting sustainable development, in particular through the National Plan for Development and Public Investment and the Plan for Decarbonization. 95. Mexico recognized the progress made by Costa Rica, particularly the mechanism for consultation with indigenous peoples and the ratification of the ILO Domestic Workers Convention. 96. Montenegro welcomed the adoption of the national policy for a society free from racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia. It expressed concern about the limited operational capacities of the Inter-institutional Commission for Follow-up to and Implementation of International Human Rights Obligations. 97. Myanmar noted several measures to improve gender equality and commended Costa Rica for having formed the first gender-balanced Cabinet in its history, in which nearly half of the members were women. 98. Nepal commended Costa Rica on its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and noted with appreciation the launch of the National Integration Plan and the national health-care policy for persons of African descent. 99. The Netherlands commended Costa Rica for the steps taken to implement the advisory opinion from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights regarding same-sex couples. It remained concerned at the lack of availability of safe, regulated abortion. 100. Nicaragua thanked Costa Rica for the presentation of its national report. 101. Qatar noted the National Plans for Development and Public Investment and for Rural Development, the efforts to ensure quality education and prevent school dropout and the initiatives of the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva. 102. Panama highlighted the Constitutional recognition of the multi-ethnic and multicultural character of the State. It also noted that Costa Rica was a strong advocate of international law and a point of reference in the region on the eradication of statelessness. 103. Paraguay thanked Costa Rica for its cooperation in installing in the country the SIMORE mechanism for follow-up to recommendations. It commended Costa Rica for its ratification of the ILO Domestic Workers Convention. 104. Peru recognized the commitment of Costa Rica to human rights in the country and highlighted its constant support for the universal human rights system. 105. The Philippines commended Costa Rica for its ratification of the ILO Domestic Workers Convention. It also welcomed the development and implementation of national plans concerning women, children and indigenous peoples. 106. Portugal congratulated Costa Rica for the establishment of the national mechanism for implementation, reporting and follow-up. Portugal welcomed the efforts of Costa Rica 9