A/HRC/11/18* in terms of food, clothing, shelter and education; and (c) continue and strengthen, with international support and cooperation, its efforts to mitigate the negative impact of climate change, as well as disaster management programmes. 51. Senegal acknowledged the considerable efforts of Bangladesh to reinforce its institutional and legal architecture. Significant progress has been made, inter alia, in the areas of assistance to persons with disabilities, eradication of poverty and hunger. Senegal encouraged Bangladesh to stick to the path of their economic and social development, in particular by reinforcing efforts regarding awareness-raising and education, with specific attention to people in rural areas, and by regularly submitting their periodic reports to treaty bodies. 52. The Netherlands noted that the creation and strengthening of key institutions are important achievements. Efforts to tackle impunity and corruption are commendable, but much remains to be done. The Netherlands recommended that the government (a) ratify the optional protocol to the convention against torture, take measures to protect human rights defenders, including journalists, address the problems of extrajudicial killings and torture by security forces and improve prison situations; (b) take steps to further strengthen the National Human Rights Commission and the Anti-corruption Commission to ensure that they will be able to operate independently and effectively; (c) ensure that women’s rights are protected, through effective implementation of existing laws, the development of a comprehensive national action plan to combat violence against women and the adoption of a family code complying with CEDAW’s provisions; and (d) eradicate child labour starting with taking steps to finalize the National child labour policy and to implement the plan of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. 53. Australia welcomed the improvement of human rights trends under the Caretaker Government and plans to further implement human rights treaties. Australia recommended that Bangladesh (a) take measures to protect human rights defenders, including journalists; (b) take measures to ensure women’s rights are protected through implementing existing laws such as the Early marriage Act and the Dowry Act; (c) take steps to eradicate child labour such as finalizing the National Child Labour Policy and implementing the plan of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. It encouraged Bangladesh to (d) take steps to protect the social, economic and cultural rights of minorities, refugees and displaced persons and recommended that Bangladesh: (e) take steps to implement the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord; (f) take steps to address the culture of impunity for human rights violations by law enforcement agencies. While welcoming efforts to separate the judiciary from the executive, Australia recommended that the government (g) now take measures to ensure the independence of the judiciary, the NHRC and the Anti-Corruption Commission. 54. Viet Nam noted with appreciation the legislative and enforcement reforms in such areas as health, food security, poverty alleviation, rights of women, children and other vulnerable groups. Viet Nam commended Bangladesh for its active role as a member of the HRC and recommended that Bangladesh continue its efforts to ensure the right to food for the citizens. It called on the international community to respond favourably to Bangladesh’s request for capacity building and technical assistance to overcome the difficulties and challenges it faces. 55. Azerbaijan noted the level of cooperation between the government and civil society; and reforms contributing to the improvement of the legal framework. Azerbaijan commended Bangladesh for its firm intention to ensure the rights of vulnerable groups, emphasizing progress made in healthcare, and poverty reduction. Azerbaijan recommended that Bangladesh (a) further continue its efforts to improve the human right situation on the ground, with the technical and financial assistance of the international community; (b) consider ratifying ICRMW; (c) take further measures aimed at raising awareness about 10 GE.09-16252