A/HRC/41/8 50. Maldives commended Uruguay for efforts to combat trafficking in human beings and the comprehensive Act to combat trafficking in and exploitation of persons. It also welcomed the Neighbourhood Improvement Programme and the National Relocation Plan. 51. Malta commended the steps taken to address discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, most notably the comprehensive Act on trans persons, and the efforts to ensure more gender equality. 52. Mauritius congratulated Uruguay for ratifying the main international human rights treaties. It also commended the National Human Rights Institution and Ombudsman’s Office for its A status accreditation. 53. Mexico recognized the progress made, in particular the establishment of the Interagency Committee to Prevent and Combat Trafficking in Persons and the National Plan to Combat Trafficking in and Exploitation of Persons. 54. Uruguay highlighted the measures taken to combat discrimination based on race and sexual identity, including through the adoption of laws and the establishment of a national council. It also highlighted institutional strengthening with the creation of a specialized gender unit, a victims and witnesses unit, and a specialized human rights unit. In addition, criminal prosecutors’ offices for sexual offences, for domestic violence and for genderbased violence had been set up within the Attorney General’s Office. 55. Uruguay stressed that since January 2018, zero overcrowding in prisons had been observed at the general level, with only some units and sectors still suffering from the problem. The decentralization process had continued, including steps that were being taken to create adequate living conditions for people deprived of their liberty. In 2018, action had been taken aimed at strengthening the prison system in several ways: infrastructure and services, integral management (administration, technical intervention and security) and professional training. 56. Uruguay stated that it was implementing the National Plan for Early Childhood, Childhood and Adolescence 2016–2020, within the national strategy on the commitments undertaken by Uruguay in the 2030 Agenda. The Plan was the result of intersectoral efforts, with contributions from the civil society, children and adolescents. 57. Uruguay highlighted the legislative measures it had taken with regard to particularly vulnerable adolescents who were subject to custodial and non-custodial sentences in the area of juvenile criminal justice, including a new model of socio-educational measures and social inclusion. It had also taken measures to address violence against children and adolescents, child labour and children in street situations, including by developing policy measures and action plans. 58. Montenegro commended the A status of the National Human Rights Institution and Ombudsman’s Office and called upon Uruguay to step up its efforts to combat discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, and to prosecute and punish perpetrators of violence against those persons. 59. Myanmar noted with satisfaction the numerous measures taken by Uruguay in the areas of gender equality, women’s participation in decision-making and the rights of persons with disabilities. 60. The Netherlands commended Uruguay for its positive legislative developments, including the law on gender-based violence. It noted the importance of the steps taken by Uruguay to advance gender and sexual orientation and gender identity issues. 61. Nicaragua welcomed the third national report submitted by Uruguay and made recommendations. 62. Nigeria commended the cooperation of Uruguay with human rights mechanisms, its commitment to uphold the rights of people of African descent and its efforts in combating racism and discrimination. 63. Oman applauded the human rights related actions taken by Uruguay and welcomed its accession to international and inter-American instruments. It also welcomed the political and legal measures Uruguay had taken to comply with international standards. 6