A/HRC/34/9 30. Belarus noted the experience of Lithuania in conducting thematic consultations with NGOs and the progress it had achieved in the implementation of the recommendations from the first review to combat trafficking in human beings and to combat domestic violence and violence against women. Belarus was concerned about numerous incidents of hate speech in the media and in the statements of some politicians. 31. Belgium welcomed the steps taken by Lithuania regarding recommendations accepted by it in the first review, but stated that there was still room for improvement. It was particularly concerned about the prevalence of domestic violence against women and about increasingly negative attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. 32. Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomed steps to strengthen the strong foundation for the protection of human rights, particularly the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. It commended Lithuania for having improved and strengthened the legal framework on combating violence against women, its continued efforts to prevent violence against women and the assistance it provided to victims of violence. 33. Brazil acknowledged the progress Lithuania had made in fighting violence against women and addressing domestic violence, noting that explicit criminalization of marital rape could further improve the promotion and protection of women’s human rights. Brazil expressed concern about reports of unlawful detention of asylum seekers and irregular migrants and about the situation of refugees. 34. Canada welcomed the legislation passed by Lithuania to safeguard fundamental freedoms, including the Law on Equal Treatment and the Law on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men. It stressed the importance of pursuing efforts to fully implement legislation to combat anti-Semitism and to promote and enforce the rights of children and persons with disabilities. 35. Chile recognized the progress made by the Government, including the ratification of human rights instruments and the adoption of plans of action, such as those on the integration of Roma. It appreciated the amendments to the Criminal Code aimed at eradicating violence against women and domestic violence. 36. China appreciated the efforts of Lithuania to implement the National Programme on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men, its adoption of amendments to the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes, the initiatives it had taken to combat violence against women and domestic violence and the measures it had taken to protect the rights of children. 37. Costa Rica encouraged Lithuania to ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. It was concerned that Lithuania had not established a national human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles. It was also concerned about reports of abuse of children with mental impairments, corporal punishment of and violence against children in the home, domestic violence, discrimination against minority groups, the high suicide rate and the high rate of abortion among young persons. 38. Croatia commended Lithuania for the amendments to the Criminal and the Criminal Procedure Codes to strengthen efforts to eliminate violence against women and domestic violence and to ensure efficient assistance for victims. It encouraged the Government to accelerate its efforts to protect against gender-based violence and to criminalize marital rape. 39. Czechia made a statement and recommendations. 7