A/HRC/25/17 government departments and other public authorities. The Ombudsman could commence investigations on his own initiative. 24. The delegation indicated the Government’s commitment to the promotion of sexual and reproductive health. That included the protection of the right of women to have control over and decide freely and responsibly on matters related to their sexuality, the timing and number of children, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. In that respect, the Government was also committed to ensuring access to information on effective methods of family planning. The launch of the National Sexual Health Policy in 2010 was followed by the introduction of the National Sexual Health Strategy, which was formulated through widespread consultation with representatives of society. 25. The delegation reiterated the Government’s belief in the need to protect the right to life, including that of the unborn child. It expressed the view that, as human life begins at conception, the termination of pregnancy through procedures of induced abortion at any stage of gestation, was an infringement of this right. Malta, therefore, could not recognize abortion or any other form of termination of pregnancy as a legitimate measure of family planning. Where the life of a mother was at risk, a medical intervention to save her life, even if that could result in the death of the child, was not precluded. 26. The delegation expressed appreciation for the sterling work carried out by OHCHR in general, and for the High Commissioner in particular, for their significant contribution as well as the support extended to the UPR mechanism in terms of both capacity-building and assistance to States. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 27. During the interactive dialogue, 53 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in chapter II of the present report. 28. Thailand commended Maltese efforts to eliminate discrimination and promote equal opportunities, especially the participation of women in the labour market. It praised continued efforts to deal with irregular migrants; however, it remained concerned that a number of women and children were still prey to illicit trafficking networks. It welcomed new legislation and the ratification and signing of Optional Protocols to CRC. Thailand made recommendations. 29. Togo commended the progress of Malta since its previous UPR in improving human rights protection through the adoption of new legal provisions and institutional structures. It praised efforts to rescue migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea, which had saved thousands of lives. Togo encouraged Malta to continue such efforts. Togo made recommendations. 30. Trinidad and Tobago noted with satisfaction the steps taken by Malta since its previous UPR to strengthen human rights, including the appointment of a minister responsible for civil liberties, legislation addressing various human rights elements, the establishment of specialized national commissions, commissioners and authorities to protect vulnerable groups and the introduction of the draft National Children’s Policy. It made recommendations. 31. Tunisia noted progress since 2009, particularly the ratification of several human rights instruments, the establishment of a ministry responsible for civil rights, various legislative initiatives and national mechanisms. It noted measures taken to combat racial discrimination, especially against migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, and encouraged Malta to redouble its efforts to eradicate stereotypes of those groups. Tunisia made recommendations. 6