A/HRC/30/8 88. Argentina welcomed efforts in the area of gender, including the adoption of the Domestic Violence Prevention Act. 89. Australia expressed concern at the conduct of the trial of former President Mohamed Nasheed, the subsequent unrest and the death penalty regulations. Australia commended progress on domestic violence. 90. Azerbaijan appreciated Maldives’ graduation from least developed country status and noted the recent OHCHR visit as demonstrating the importance attached to United Nations mechanisms. 91. Bahrain commended steps taken in the education field and in ensuring that local and international exams were free of charge. 92. Bangladesh welcomed measures to safeguard women and children’s rights, acknowledged the impact of climate change, noted family breakdowns compelling youth to join gangs and hoped for success in strengthening democracy, the rule of law and an independent judiciary. 93. Barbados noted gains in protecting the rights of vulnerable groups and climate change challenges and encouraged Maldives to continue to fully implement accepted recommendations and human rights cooperation. 94. Replying to the advance questions and recommendations made regarding enforcement of the practice of flogging and of the death penalty, Maldives wished to ensure all partners that it remained committed to strengthening the legislative and judicial framework involved in cases of flogging, informed them that the Government remained dedicated to further strengthening those systems and processes and looked forward to any kind of support from partners. Similarly, with regard to the enforcement of the death penalty, Maldives stated that such punishment would not be resorted to unless it was endorsed by all court tiers and was in line with all regulations and procedures. 95. Belgium welcomed efforts to follow-up on the outcome of the first universal periodic review and hoped for increased space in the future for a free civil society and media. 96. Bhutan noted initiatives in education, gender equality and bringing climate change issues to the international forefront. 97. Botswana commended enactment of acts for the protection of women, noted challenges in addressing climate change and expressed concern at reports of trafficking, as well as at the inadequacy, judicial interference and politicization of the Judicial Service Commission. 98. Brazil congratulated enactment of acts to prevent domestic violence, sexual offences, harassment and abuse and the commitment to submitting a gender equality bill. 99. Brunei Darussalam commended progress in promoting women’s empowerment and pledges to ensure housing. 100. Cabo Verde noted positive policies on free education, universal health care, social housing and climate change and the Government’s determination to consolidate democracy. 101. Canada made recommendations. 102. Chad noted climate change challenges and encouraged the international community to assist in resolving them. 103. Chile valued progress, particularly in ratifying international human rights treaties, improving legislation and implementing programmes. 10