A/HRC/25/17 support for victims under that Optional Protocol. It asked about intended changes to the criminal law concerning the minimum age of criminal responsibility for children. It also asked why defamation had been left under provisions of the Criminal Code. It noted the signature of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure. It made a recommendation. 68. China appreciated the efforts to implement accepted recommendations of the first UPR. It commended efforts to promote equality in terms of age, race, gender, religion and gender orientation and to protect the rights of vulnerable groups including women, children and persons with disabilities, as well as promoting health services. China made a recommendation. 69. The Netherlands commended the rescue at sea of migrants, and collaboration through the European Asylum Support Office in Valetta, noting the particular vulnerability of unaccompanied minors. It applauded progress made in fighting discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Civil Unions Bill, which would recognize same-sex partnerships, would be welcome. It expressed concern about criminalization of abortion in all cases. It made recommendations. 70. Nicaragua noted progress regarding refugees and asylum, pursuant to recommendations accepted during the first UPR of Malta. It acknowledged the complex and challenging migratory situation in the Mediterranean requiring constant attention. While the protection of persons from discrimination was enshrined in the Constitution, there were concerns regarding the migration policy of Malta, particularly about the detention of migrant children. Nicaragua made recommendations. 71. Nigeria welcomed the presentation by Malta of its national report, and commended efforts put into its preparation, particularly for involving relevant stakeholders, including civil society. Nigeria made recommendations. 72. Norway commended the Civil Liberties Law to allow equal rights for same-sex civil unions, pursuant to recommendations accepted during the first UPR cycle. Norway referred to recommendations to improve detention conditions for foreign nationals and proposals for improving the asylum system. It recalled efforts to move from punishment to reform in correctional facilities, but noted that reports had expressed concern about conditions at the Corradino Facility. Norway made recommendations. 73. Oman congratulated Malta on its national report demonstrating efforts to protect and promote human rights in line with international standards. It welcomed the signature and ratification of international human rights instruments, adoption and implementation of domestic legislation and programmes and the establishment of national human rights bodies. It commended efforts to promote the rights of the child and persons with disabilities. Oman made a recommendation. 74. Cuba recognized efforts to implement recommendations accepted during the first UPR, in particular in promoting equality and protecting persons with a disability. It noted that Malta had many human rights challenges ahead, as noted in the national report. Cuba made recommendations. 75. Portugal welcomed measures aimed at gender equality and non-discrimination against women, through NCPE and the zero-tolerance approach to domestic violence and violence against women, and encouraged continuation of that work. It commended enhanced protection of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers and in that context referred to the particular situation of children. Portugal made recommendations. 76. The Republic of Moldova commended implementation of previous accepted UPR recommendations, including the adoption of the National Action Plan on combating trafficking in human beings and the establishment of the Human Trafficking Monitoring 11