A/HRC/18/5 B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 22. During the interactive dialogue 29 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 23. A number of delegations commended Palau for the presentation of its national report, the high quality and self-critical nature of the latter, the participation of civil society in its preparation, and Palau’s participation and commitment in the UPR process despite the challenges it faced as a small island State. Some countries welcomed Palau’s genuine efforts as one of the world’s newest democracies to meet international human rights standards. 24. Algeria noted that Palau’s free and fair elections, respect for the rule of law and functioning judiciary were encouraging, given that it gained independence just 16 years ago. Algeria noted that the Convention on the Rights of the Child was the only core international human rights instrument to which Palau was a party. It referred to the important areas of concern identified in Palau’s report. Algeria made recommendations. 25. Canada commended Palau’s commitment to democracy and respect for the rule of law. While noting that the Constitution guaranteed women’s equality, it referred to the issues to be addressed to ensure equal treatment of women, which were identified in Palau’s report. Canada acknowledged that there were concerns about domestic violence and discrimination and abuse of foreign workers. With a view to building on positive developments and taking into account issues identified, Canada made recommendations. 26. The Republic of Moldova noted Palau’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the active role played in regional and international bodies which deal with children and social development. Moldova also noted the National Action Plan for Children and recalled some of the recommendations made by the Committee of the Rights of the Child on the implementation of such a Plan. Moldova also noted the consultations held on the creation of a National Human Rights Institution. The Republic of Moldova made recommendations. 27. Hungary noted with satisfaction that Palau had established a de jure moratorium on the death penalty as a step towards its abolition. Hungary commended Palau for its ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the establishment of three National Government agencies responsible for child abuse cases and for the National Plan of Action for Children. Hungary expressed concern about the legal discrimination against married women regarding rape and property, the problem of statelessness affecting children and the reported widespread mistreatment of foreign workers. Hungary encouraged Palau to cooperate more closely with special procedures and to consider becoming a party to the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Hungary made recommendations. 28. France referred to legislative measures to enhance Palau’s international commitment to human rights. It asked for further information on progress made to establish a National Human Rights Institution in accordance with the Paris Principles. France noted that discrimination against women remained frequent in all areas. France welcomed Palau’s support of the declaration made in the Human Rights Council for putting an end to violence and human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, it noted that article 2803 of the 6