A/HRC/30/8 71. Trinidad and Tobago congratulated Maldives on its fiftieth anniversary of independence, which offered an opportunity to reflect on the role of human rights in consolidating democracy, and acknowledged the new ministry, climate change and education policies. 72. Tunisia noted the progress achieved, highlighting the ratification of international human rights instruments, including the Rome Statute. 73. Turkey welcomed improvements in education, housing and health care, as well as steps taken to combat human trafficking, and encouraged strengthened efforts regarding women’s rights. 74. Turkmenistan welcomed the measures to strengthen the national institutional infrastructure for promoting human rights. 75. Ukraine commended the adoption of anti-trafficking and domestic violence laws and encouraged Maldives to continue its active stance in the Human Rights Council, including in preventing human rights violations. 76. The United Arab Emirates commended progress in free education, respect of the principle of equality before the law and equal judicial protection in compliance with the obligations of Maldives. 77. The United Kingdom welcomed legislative progress, remained concerned about the death penalty, corporal punishment, due process and the arrest of opposition leaders, and urged restraint and dialogue by all parties and the Government. 78. The United States was concerned that recent developments called into question the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, about the use of politically motivated prosecutions against critics, that non-Muslims cannot become citizens and at the lack of laws to implement labour rights. 79. Uruguay highlighted measures to implement recommendations accepted during the first review, including ratification of the fundamental ILO conventions. 80. Uzbekistan welcomed the legislative and institutional improvements, accession to treaties and cooperation with OHCHR, treaty bodies and special procedures. 81. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela appreciated the challenges related to geography and climate change and commended free education and social housing. It appealed for a resumption of political dialogue involving all stakeholders to bring about peace, and efforts to achieve national reconciliation. 82. Viet Nam welcomed the remarkable progress made in the areas of education, housing, health care, access to justice, women’s rights and the rights of the child. 83. Yemen noted measures taken to strengthen the criminal justice sector and to join a number of international treaties and protocols. 84. Afghanistan appreciated enhanced educational programmes and the “No child left behind” policy. 85. Albania noted progress in the adoption of the Domestic Violence Prevention Act and the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Abuse Act. 86. Algeria welcomed the adoption of the law against domestic violence and efforts to adopt a law on the elimination of racial discrimination. 87. Angola was pleased by the many ratifications and the acceptance of special procedure mandate holders’ visits. 9