A/HRC/16/5 combat and eliminate discrimination, especially gender discrimination, and other initiatives, including the National Strategy for Children and the National Programme on Strengthening Child Development and Protection, also deserved to be highlighted. Cuba made recommendations. 40. China noted with appreciation the Action Plan 2008-2012, which incorporated the protection and promotion of human rights into the national development strategy. It noted the achievements in social welfare and the protection of vulnerable groups through the adoption of legislation and measures. China noted the problems and challenges in poverty reduction, environmental protection and the fight against gender discrimination, and expressed appreciation for the Government’s responsible and open attitude. China made a recommendation. 41. Slovakia commended Mongolia for being party to the main international human rights instruments and for its standing invitation to special procedures. Slovakia welcomed the moratorium on the death penalty. It echoed the concerns expressed by the human rights monitoring mechanisms at the persistence of strong stereotypes regarding the role and responsibilities of women. Slovakia welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Slovakia made recommendations. 42. Brazil commended Mongolia for its commitment to the Millennium Development Goals, with a particular focus on gender equality. Brazil stated that high poverty and unemployment levels and an increasing number of homeless persons and working children remained the key challenges faced by the Government. Brazil referred to the universal periodic review documentation referring to the existence of discriminatory practices against women and concerns over the use of the corporal punishment of children. Brazil made recommendations. 43. Sweden welcomed the moratorium on executions and the plans to abolish the death penalty de jure and to sign and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It expressed concern over the attacks against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and documented discrimination against them. Sweden asked about actions taken to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. Sweden made recommendations. 44. Norway noted that Mongolia was party to most international human rights instruments and expressed appreciation for its standing invitation to special procedures mandate holders. Norway noted the moratorium on the death penalty. Norway also noted the recent rise in nationalism, which had resulted in cases involving discriminatory criminal acts, and referred to incidents of discrimination against minorities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. Norway referred to the current discussion on possible accession to the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Optional Protocol thereto. Norway made recommendations. 45. Azerbaijan noted positively the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in April 2010. It also noted the increasing level of cooperation with special procedures, including the Special Rapporteur on Torture, with positive results such as the inclusion of the notion of torture in the Criminal Code. Azerbaijan noted that Mongolia was suffering from climate-changerelated effects. It welcomed measures taken for the advancement of women’s rights, but noted that human trafficking was on the rise. Azerbaijan made recommendations. 46. The United Kingdom welcomed the recent submission of reports by Mongolia to treaty bodies. It expressed concern about the absence of a definition of torture that met international standards. It expressed its hope that Mongolia would consider the recommendations on the improvement of governance and transparency. It asked what 8