A/HRC/32/17 35. Slovenia welcomed programmes to promote and protect the rights of older persons. 36. South Africa regretted the decision of Singapore to resume executions in 2014. 37. Spain welcomed the progress in combating trafficking in persons, and the national plan to combat domestic violence. It encouraged repeal of section 377 A of the Penal Code. 38. Sri Lanka praised steps to guarantee the rights of its citizens. It noted its accession to the Palermo Protocol. 39. Sweden acknowledged the commitment of Singapore to the universal periodic review. 40. Switzerland reiterated that the death penalty had no deterrent effect. It expressed concern that arrests without trial were authorized under the Penal Code and other laws. 41. Tajikistan appreciated measures to preserve mutual understanding among those who followed different religions. 42. Thailand welcomed the accession of Singapore to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Palermo Protocol and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Convention against Trafficking in Persons. It noted efforts to safeguard foreign workers’ rights by strengthening the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. 43. Timor-Leste welcomed the National Family Violence Networking System and the Inter-agency Task Force on Trafficking in Persons. 44. Trinidad and Tobago applauded the legal amendments made to better protect workers, girls and young women, and initiatives to ensure the well-being of older Singaporeans. 45. Turkey welcomed measures to expand the social security network and encouraged Singapore to further strengthen its efforts to protect women’s rights. 46. Uganda noted that many international instruments had yet to be ratified, including the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons. 47. Ukraine acknowledged the commitment of Singapore to secularism and multiracialism to ensure equal standing and opportunities for all citizens. 48. The United Arab Emirates noted the progress in social rights and freedom of religion. 49. The United Kingdom welcomed new measures to protect migrant workers from exploitation. It urged revision to laws and regulations that could prohibit freedom of speech, media and assembly, and removal of scandalizing the judiciary as an offence. 50. The United States welcomed the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act. It expressed concern about respect for individuals’ civil and political rights, including those of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, and restrictions on freedom of expression. 51. Uzbekistan welcomed achievements to ensure the rule of law, and the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Palermo Protocol. 52. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the progress in implementing the national road map for the integration of persons with disabilities into society. 53. Bangladesh appreciated the safeguarding of social harmony through legally protected respect for diversity. It noted efforts to safeguard migrants’ well-being, and welcomed strengthened social protection for low-income citizens. 6