A/HRC/44/6 49. The delegation of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic noted that, in accordance with article 94 of its Constitution and with the Law on the People’s Court, any interference in court affairs was prohibited and court decisions could be based only on the law. Judges and their families were protected from any harm and threats. 50. The delegation highlighted the importance of improving and developing detention conditions to ensure suitable living conditions for inmates. There were 18 detention facilities, including 2 in the capital. The Government had allocated about $107 million to improve infrastructure and to address overcrowding in prisons. 51. The Penal Code that went into effect in 2018 reduced the number of articles carrying the death sentence to 12. During the special debate of the draft Penal Code, the majority members of the National Assembly were of the view that there was a need to maintain the death penalty, but reserve it for the most serious crimes. It was at the discretion of the courts to decide on the most appropriate sentence, while the law guaranteed impartiality, transparency and the rights of the accused in trials. Those who were sentenced to death had a right to appeal. 52. Mexico appreciated efforts made to incorporate into national legislation the explicit criminalization of torture and trafficking, and encouraged the country to continue strengthening its legal framework. 53. Mongolia called on the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to step up efforts to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and to accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. 54. Montenegro encouraged the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to further engage in the promotion of human rights and the provision of equal access for women and men to resources and treatment for HIV/AIDS. 55. Morocco welcomed the adoption of 42 new laws and the plan for making and amending laws (2015–2020). It commended the incorporation of international instruments into domestic law. 56. Myanmar commended achievements made by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in poverty alleviation and its efforts to graduate from least developed country status by 2024. 57. Nepal appreciated the continued cooperation of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic with human rights mechanisms and its commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment and improving maternal health-care services. 58. The Netherlands welcomed the commitment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to bringing domestic legislation into line with international human rights instruments, but remained concerned about the restricted space for civil society. 59. New Zealand noted positively that the death penalty had not been enforced since 1989 and commended improvements in the education of girls. 60. Nicaragua welcomed the presentation of the national report by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and made recommendations. 61. Norway noted the positive step taken by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to invite the Special Rapporteur on human rights and extreme poverty to visit the country. 62. Pakistan appreciated the efforts made to ensure gender equality and health care and commended the national plan on reproductive health, services for mothers and newborns and child health care. 63. Paraguay expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to incorporate international treaties into its legislation and for the national action plan on the prevention and elimination of violence against women and children. 6