A/HRC/13/56 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 693. Algeria thanked Costa Rica for providing additional information and for replying to recommendations, including those made by Algeria. It noted Costa Rica’s positive approach to the universal periodic review, which demonstrated its commitment to human rights. It also noted with appreciation the measures taken by Costa Rica to reduce poverty, improve the status of disadvantaged groups, promote the status of women and gender equality, as well as the implementation of the right to education of all to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, and the extension of that right to cover the children of irregular migrants. 694. The United States of America welcomed Costa Rica’s decision to support recommendations relating to combating trafficking in persons, and the amendment of its Penal Code, which defined trafficking as a crime and increased penalties. The United States supported Austria’s recommendations that Costa Rica should continue its efforts to reduce all forms of violence against women by providing sufficient resources to the police and the judiciary, as well as training to law enforcement officials. It commended Costa Rica for having supported recommendations on the strengthening of measures to protect children against prostitution and other forms of sexual exploitation, the prevention of child labour and the prosecution and punishment of perpetrators. Lastly, it commended Costa Rica’s constant engagement with the promotion of human rights and the universal periodic review. 695. Nepal commended Costa Rica for its active cooperation with the universal periodic review process and for further explaining its position regarding several recommendations. It noted with appreciation that in the State’s Constitution, human rights took precedence over other regulations. It praised Costa Rica for its recognized human rights record as well as for public investment in social sectors. Free education, health care and programmes focused on disabled persons were also noteworthy. Nepal praised Costa Rica for its experience in fighting poverty. 696. Morocco welcomed the exemplary cooperation of Costa Rica in accepting almost all recommendations. Morocco noted with satisfaction that two of its recommendations relating to human rights education and to development were among those the implementation of which had already started. It congratulated Costa Rica on its success in the review, and encouraged it to continue its cooperation with international human rights bodies. Morocco shared Costa Rica’s view regarding the lack of clarity of some recommendations, an issue to be addressed during the review process. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 697. The European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Federation congratulated Costa Rica on having accepted recommendations to join the 2008 General Assembly statement on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity and to pursue efforts to favour LGBT people. It was encouraged by Costa Rica’s decision to allocate sufficient resources to its preventive mechanism within the framework of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. It encouraged Costa Rica to accept recommendations to intensify measures for the protection of sexual orientation and identity and to facilitate the issuance of identification documents to transsexuals. It also encouraged Costa Rica to accept the recommendation to address discriminations against homosexuals and transgender persons. It commended Costa Rica for its support to OAS resolution on sexual orientation, gender identity and human rights. 4. Concluding remarks of the State under review 698. Costa Rica thanked States and other stakeholders participating in the process. The delegation reiterated its commitment to the work of the Council and to find ways to make 183