A/HRC/31/9 113. Malaysia commended Nepal for progress made in strengthening legislative frameworks on human rights and for adopting and implementing the national strategy and action plan on gender empowerment and elimination of gender-based violence. 114. Nepal noted that the National Human Rights Commission was a constitutional body with A status and that the Government was fully committed to strengthening its capacity. 115. Nepal appreciated concerns about educational reforms, poverty reduction measures, child labour, early marriages and caste-based discrimination. It indicated, however, that while not denying these problems, it had a strong legal and institutional framework and strong enforcement authorities to deal with such issues. 116. Nepal agreed with recommendations about developing a mechanism to collaborate with civil society, regional and global organizations to protect the rights of migrant workers. 117. Nepal reassured the Council that it guaranteed freedom of religion, as stipulated in the new Constitution. During the past decade, however, Nepal had seen challenges to its traditional values, cultural heritage and national identity owing to forced conversion, which was not permitted by law. 118. While stating that the new Constitution of Nepal was democratic, inclusive and broad-based, Nepal also stressed the need to respect each country’s sovereign right to make its Constitution on its own. 119. Nepal thanked delegations that had expressed concern about the hardship that Nepalese people were facing at present. The Government was fully committed to resolving recent demands in the Madhesh region within the framework of the Constitution. 120. To conclude, Nepal thanked all delegations for their constructive and valuable comments and observations. The interactive dialogue provided Nepal with inputs for further development of legislation, policies, strategies and programmes, in accordance with international norms and standards. II. Conclusions and/or recommendations 121. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue/listed below have been examined by Nepal and enjoy the support of Nepal: 121.1 Continue to ensure the implementation of ratified human rights treaties (Pakistan); 121.2 Advance in the comprehensive implementation of the new Constitution, consistent with the protection of human rights (Colombia); 121.3 Introduce legislation providing appropriate criminal penalties for acts of torture; establish independent procedures to ensure that all allegations of torture are investigated promptly, thoroughly, impartially and independently; that any officials responsible for torture are held accountable; and that any victims of torture have the right to remedy and reparations (Germany); 121.4 Explicitly prohibit torture and enforced disappearances as criminal offences under Nepali law (Norway);  The conclusions and recommendations have not been edited. 13