A/HRC/41/8 64. Pakistan appreciated the commitment of Uruguay to gender equality and noted, in particular, the efforts of the National Gender Council. 65. Panama welcomed the frameworks on gender, children and combating trafficking in persons. It was concerned about the high rates of femicide and domestic violence, and about prejudice against persons with disabilities, people of African descent and other minority groups. 66. Paraguay welcomed the fact that the age of criminal responsibility had not been lowered. It highlighted the adoption of Act No. 19.580 on gender-based violence against women, and efforts to reduce poverty and improve standards of living. It was concerned about the high rate of violence against children. 67. Peru acknowledged the National Plan on Racial Equality and African Descent and highlighted the voluntary commitments of Uruguay. 68. The Philippines noted the positive steps that had been taken against gender-based violence and on gender equality. It commended Uruguay for the Act to combat trafficking in and exploitation of persons and the National Plan on Racial Equality and African Descent. 69. Portugal welcomed the strong commitment of Uruguay to respect for and protection of human rights. 70. Qatar appreciated efforts to guarantee the right to education for all, including in rural areas, and policies to integrate persons with disabilities into the education system. It praised efforts to improve access to health-care services for all. 71. The Republic of Korea acknowledged the legislative measures taken by Uruguay to promote gender equality and to prevent and combat gender-based violence against women. 72. The Russian Federation supported the openness of Uruguay to cooperate with the international community, but was concerned about the unsatisfactory conditions in the penitentiary system and the increasing number of inmates. It welcomed the National Gender Equality Strategy 2030. 73. Saudi Arabia noted progress regarding the implementation of human rights recommendations and commended Uruguay for its cooperation with international human rights bodies and efforts to uphold the right of persons with disabilities to education. 74. Senegal welcomed the National Human Rights Education Plan, the National Gender Equality Strategy 2030, and the National Plan for Early Childhood, Childhood and Adolescence 2016–2020. 75. Serbia commended the measures taken to provide financial support for and build capacity within the National Human Rights Institution and Ombudsman’s Office and the National Women’s Institute. 76. Slovakia welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure and efforts to combat trafficking in persons, but was concerned about sexual exploitation and abuse of children. 77. Slovenia was concerned about gender-based violence. It urged Uruguay to increase the legal age of marriage to 18 years. It valued the leadership of Uruguay regarding national mechanisms on reporting and follow-up. 78. Spain thanked Uruguay for its participation in the universal periodic review and made recommendations. 79. The State of Palestine praised efforts to eradicate child labour and violence against children. It welcomed the project on the right to equality and non-discrimination for persons with disabilities. 80. Sweden welcomed the new legislation to address violence against women and the reformed Code of Criminal Procedure to improve prison conditions and treatment of prisoners. It urged Uruguay to ensure that they were effectively implemented. 7