A/HRC/25/17 41. Austria commended Maltese efforts since its previous UPR, particularly the establishment of a ministry responsible for civil liberties. It praised the provision of an efficient migration and asylum system, but encouraged Malta to abolish detention for migrant children. It noted progress in the equality of LGBT individuals, but regretted that Malta had not ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Austria made recommendations. 42. Azerbaijan welcomed the appointment of a minister responsible for civil liberties and its accession to several international human rights treaties. It noted its legislative initiatives to safeguard particular human rights, such as in the areas of child protection, the rights of persons with disabilities and gender equality. It commended the part played by Malta in the rescue of irregular migrants. Azerbaijan made recommendations. 43. Belgium commended the appointment of a minister responsible for civil liberties and new initiatives to protect minors, the rights of persons with disabilities and the right to equality. Belgium was concerned by the traditional gender stereotypes present in Maltese society and that women were still not fully integrated in political and economic life and suffered discrimination. Belgium made recommendations. 44. Brazil commended the national report of Malta, which comprehensively addressed the issues raised during its previous UPR. It welcomed progress concerning LGBT rights, namely the designation of sexual orientation and gender identity as an aggravating circumstance in criminal offences and the extension of the definition of “discrimination” to include discrimination against LGBT individuals. Nonetheless migrants’ detention conditions remained an issue of major concern. Brazil made recommendations. 45. Canada asked what measures Malta had implemented since its last UPR to improve the well-being of irregular migrants and the protection of their rights. It was concerned by reports that the application of Maltese immigration law failed to protect unaccompanied irregular migrant children from arbitrary detention. Canada made a recommendation. 46. Morocco commended the implementation of previous UPR recommendations, including new human rights institutional structures and ratification of international instruments. It welcomed the commitment to combating discrimination and racism, protecting the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities, and resolving prison overpopulation. Morocco acknowledged the difficulties posed by clandestine immigration and commended the Maltese shelter of and hospitality shown towards African migrants. Morocco made a recommendation. 47. Costa Rica noted the progress made since the previous UPR, including the ratification of international instruments, such as CRPD and the Optional Protocol thereto, the creation of the Independent Living Centre, awareness campaigns to protect children with disabilities from all forms of discrimination and high numbers of such children in education. Costa Rica made recommendations. 48. The Philippines welcomed the guarantees of the Maltese Constitution on fundamental rights and freedoms, and the enactment of domestic legislation promoting and protecting human rights. It commended the amendment to the Equality for Men and Women Act and ratification of several international human rights instruments since the previous UPR. It praised assistance of migrants, regardless of their immigration status. It made recommendations. 49. Cyprus asked Malta to assess the extension of the NCPE remit to cover equal treatment on the grounds of gender and family responsibilities and gender identity in employment. It requested information on the results of the project aimed at improving women’s access to employment and participation in the labour markets. Cyprus made a recommendation. 8