A/HRC/41/8 Uruguay to redouble its efforts to ensure equitable representation of women and men in decision-making bodies. 96. Algeria welcomed progress in combating poverty and inequalities and steps taken to benefit persons with disabilities, notably the protocol on integrating persons with disabilities in educational institutions. 97. Angola commended the commitment of Uruguay to the international human rights institutions and its front-line position in recognizing the rights and dignity of the human person. 98. Argentina congratulated Uruguay on criminalizing femicide as an aggravated form of homicide through the adoption of Act No. 19.580 on gender-based violence against women, and on signing the Safe Schools Declaration. 99. Armenia welcomed the criminalization of incitement to commit genocide and other crimes against humanity and the adoption of the National Human Rights Education Plan and National Plan to Combat Trafficking in and Exploitation of Persons. 100. Australia noted positively the Action Plan for a Life Free of Gender-based Violence, but was concerned by the persistently high incidence of gender-related violence. It welcomed judicial reforms, but noted that issues remained concerning prison conditions. 101. Azerbaijan appreciated the solid commitment of Uruguay to the review process and congratulated it on its progress with regard to the implementation of the recommendations received during the previous review cycle. 102. The Bahamas welcomed the Act on gender-based violence against women, the Act to combat trafficking in and exploitation of persons, efforts to incorporate a gender perspective in policies for rural women and the implementation of the project for persons with disabilities. 103. Bahrain appreciated the steps taken by Uruguay since the previous review cycle to further promote and protect human rights. 104. Bangladesh noted as encouraging the National Human Rights Plan, the National Gender Equality Strategy 2030 and the National Access to Justice and Legal Protection Plan for Persons with Disabilities, but noted the reported gap in the legislative framework. 105. Barbados recalled the efforts of Uruguay to address the challenges faced by AfroUruguayans. It noted as a step in the right direction the inclusion in the National Human Rights Education Plan of efforts to train staff on matters relating to African descent. 106. Belarus noted the measures taken by Uruguay to reduce crime. It was concerned, however, about the weak implementation of laws, unsatisfactory conditions in places of detention, overcrowding of certain prisons and the absence of protection for victims of trafficking. 107. Benin noted with satisfaction that Uruguay had ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure and the Arms Trade Treaty. 108. Bhutan noted with satisfaction the adoption of the National Gender Equality Strategy 2030 and the National Plan for Early Childhood, Childhood and Adolescence 2016–2020. It commended Uruguay for the measures it had taken to address gender-based violence and to ratify human rights treaties. 109. The Plurinational State of Bolivia commended Uruguay for its ratification of international and inter-American instruments to combat all forms of discrimination, intolerance and racism. 110. Brazil congratulated Uruguay on its National Access to Justice and Legal Protection Plan for Persons with Disabilities and its National Care System. It welcomed measures to counter violence against women and children and trafficking in human beings. 111. Bulgaria appreciated the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure, the adoption of the Act on gender- 9