A/HRC/31/9 82. Australia welcomed progress in finalizing the new Constitution and acknowledged the difficulty of the process of reconciling the demands of a large number of ethnic groups and interests. 83. Bangladesh appreciated the continuation of the democratic transition process in line with its recommendation made during the first review. It acknowledged the challenges faced by Nepal and noted that poverty remained a serious impediment to the enjoyment of human rights. 84. Belgium welcomed the adoption of the new Constitution and asked if Nepal envisaged acceding to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. 85. Bhutan lauded Nepal for its efforts to bringing gender equality to politics and work life, as was evident from the increased representation of women in the Parliament and the election of the first woman President and Speaker. 86. Botswana was concerned about reports of physical attacks and death threats against human rights defenders. It noted with appreciation the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms and the new Constitution. 87. Brazil noted measures to promote an inclusive society and encouraged the adoption of policies to eliminate all forms of discrimination. It expressed concern about discrimination against women and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons and about child labour and early marriages. 88. Canada welcomed the new Constitution, and efforts to ensure equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons and to reform the legislation. It encouraged Nepal to ensure that its reconstruction efforts met the needs of vulnerable groups. 89. Chile valued the progress made in the promotion and protection of human rights in complex circumstances resulting from the recent earthquake. It commended Nepal for the promulgation of the new Constitution, which sought to protect the cultural and ethnic diversity of the country. 90. China noted the increase in the number of women in Parliament and efforts to ensure social security and equality and reduce poverty. It called on the international community to assist Nepal in achieving its human rights obligations. 91. Colombia praised the commitment of Nepal to implement recommendations from their first review. It recognized, in particular, efforts to combat forced child labour. 92. Costa Rica commended Nepal for implementing recommendations from the first review, in particular those to strengthen the institutional framework. 93. Cuba recognized positive changed in the legal and institutional framework following the first review process. Cuba urged the international community to continue supporting Nepal to implement its development and human rights policies. 94. Cyprus welcomed efforts to promote the rights of women, including the adoption of a national strategy and action plan on gender empowerment and on gender-based violence. 95. The Czech Republic welcomed the delegation of Nepal and made recommendations. 96. The Netherlands appreciated the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms and the new Constitution. It considered that the implementation of the country’s policies and plans would go a long way in addressing the impact of climate change on human rights. 97. Djibouti welcomed the new Constitution, which guaranteed fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly equality of all. 11