A/HRC/41/8 81. Switzerland welcomed penal procedural changes, but was concerned about poor detention conditions. It commended Uruguay for its law on gender-based violence and the relevant plan of action, but was concerned about the increasing number of murders of women. 82. Thailand commended Uruguay for its 2018 law on preventing and combating trafficking in and exploitation of persons and its efforts to combat gender-based violence. It welcomed measures to address prison overcrowding, benefiting women and children. 83. Togo congratulated Uruguay on the adoption of measures to combat inequalities on the basis of ethnic and racial origin, but remained concerned by the persistence of structural discrimination against people of African descent, particularly women. 84. Tunisia welcomed legislation adopted since the previous review cycle to enforce the institutional human rights framework in accordance with the international commitments of Uruguay. It commended the national plans on combating gender-based violence and trafficking in human beings. 85. Turkey noted the efforts to strengthen the National Human Rights Institution and Ombudsman’s Office and to combat racism, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination. It praised efforts to combat trafficking in persons and the increasing investment in education. 86. Ukraine commended the efforts to improve the institutional and legislative framework for human rights, inter alia through ratification of several international treaties and adoption of specific strategies and action plans. 87. Uruguay noted that schooling had reached almost universal coverage for children aged 3, 4 and 5. It highlighted the measures taken to strengthen education, including education on women’s rights and against gender-based violence, racism and xenophobia. It also noted measures to prevent school dropouts and integrate migrants and persons with disabilities into the education system. 88. Uruguay noted the 2012 law on the voluntary termination of pregnancy and the requirements for conscientious objection in that regard. It also mentioned measures in the areas of mental health and access to medication. 89. Uruguay also noted the action it had taken in terms of ensuring a sustainable environment, including for mining. Furthermore, it noted steps taken to address the cases of enforced disappearances that had occurred in the past and data protection measures. 90. The United Kingdom welcomed the positive record on freedom of expression and laws on gender equality and the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. It remained concerned that men held the majority of leadership positions and about the growing levels of violence against women. 91. The United States of America applauded the national juvenile corrections institution for the reduction in the number of reports of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. It noted the legislation against gender-based violence and trafficking in persons and encouraged funding for the implementation of those laws. 92. Uzbekistan noted positively the A status accreditation of the National Human Rights Institution and Ombudsman’s Office and welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure. 93. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela recognized the efforts made by Uruguay to achieve high levels of enrolment and completion in the educational system, benefiting the most vulnerable groups. It appreciated the reduction in the levels of poverty, extreme poverty and inequality. 94. Viet Nam welcomed the continued efforts of Uruguay to advance protection and promotion of human rights, its ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and the effective implementation of its voluntary commitments. 95. Albania welcomed the ratification by Uruguay of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure. It encouraged 8