A/HRC/44/6 82. The delegation of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic noted progress made in the promotion of gender equality and the elimination of discrimination against women. The National Assembly had adopted the law on gender equality in 2019 and there had been an increase in the proportion of women in the National Assembly and the judiciary. The Government remained committed to increasing women’s participation in political decisionmaking and the presence of women in leadership positions at the local level. 83. A study had been conducted with regard to a national human rights institution, which indicated that there was a strong need to further strengthen the legal framework and the existing mechanisms, such as the National Committee on Human Rights, the National Commission on the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children and the national committee on elderly persons and persons with disabilities. Furthermore, there was a law on complaints and petitions, providing a right to lodge a complaint against individual decisions taken by government organizations and to receive remedies. 84. Ukraine recognized the steps taken by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to ensure the enjoyment of human rights by its citizens, but expressed concern over information regarding the shrinking space for civil society. 85. The United Kingdom expressed appreciation for the increasing infrastructure and development, but remained concerned about projects resulting in forced land appropriation. 86. The United States remained deeply concerned about human rights in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, particularly about severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms that deprived citizens of an opportunity to exercise their basic rights. 87. Uruguay urged the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to continue reforms to guarantee the protection of human rights for its entire population, paying special attention to minorities, migrants and women. 88. Uzbekistan welcomed the institutional, political and socioeconomic reforms, in particular the amendments to the Constitution strengthening protection of basic rights and liberties. 89. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomed education and health policies and the priority given to poverty reduction, aimed at achieving graduation from least developed country status by 2024. 90. Viet Nam noted the efforts made in improving legislation and policies on human rights, as well as impressive economic development and poverty reduction. 91. Yemen welcomed efforts to align domestic legislation with international instruments against torture, trafficking in persons and discrimination, and on the rights of women and persons living with disabilities. 92. Zambia commended the implementation of recommendations from the previous cycle and the adoption of the national action plan on the prevention and elimination of violence against women and children. 93. Afghanistan acknowledged the significant progress made in reducing illiteracy and gender disparity, but remained concerned about pressure on the media and limitations on some rights. 94. Algeria welcomed measures to improve access to education, literacy and the enrolment of girls in school, as well as the strengthening of the legal and political framework for children’s rights. 95. Argentina commended the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for its cooperation with the international community and international organizations with a view to implementing past universal periodic review recommendations. 96. Armenia welcomed the adoption of the national strategic plan on reproductive health, services for mothers and newborns and child health care, and efforts to implement human rights treaties. 8