A/HRC/31/13 25. Albania commended Myanmar for the implementation of the five-year plan and for its measures to become a signatory to the remaining international human rights treaties. 26. Algeria noted political, socioeconomic and administrative reforms undertaken since 2011 and congratulated Myanmar on its efforts to reduce poverty. 27. Argentina welcomed the State’s cooperation with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. 28. Australia expressed concern about the protection of race and religion laws and noted the retention of the death penalty. 29. Austria expressed concern about violence against ethnic minorities and persecution of human rights defenders. 30. Azerbaijan appreciated the State’s accession to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography and efforts to promote the rights of women. 31. Bahrain expressed concern about ethnic purification and discrimination against Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State. 32. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomed the signing of the national ceasefire agreement and the strategic social and economic reforms to overcome poverty. 33. Belgium commended the progress made by Myanmar since its first review, including political reforms and the release of political prisoners. 34. Bhutan welcomed measures on child protection, particularly those implemented to prevent underage recruitment to the military forces. 35. Botswana noted reports of ill-treatment of migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and Rohingya. 36. Ecuador praised the transition process to consolidate democracy through the separation of powers and efforts to comply with the first-cycle review recommendations. 37. Brunei Darussalam welcomed the implementation of the free and universal primary education programme and the increase in the State’s health budget. 38. Cambodia noted positively the progress made in improving livelihoods, infrastructure and basic services for the communities in Rakhine State. 39. Canada welcomed the transition towards greater democracy and encouraged continued constitutional, legislative, judicial and institutional reforms. 40. Chile expressed concern about persistent human rights violations, particularly gender-, ethnic- and religious-based discrimination against the Rohingya community. 41. China expressed appreciation for the fact that Myanmar had actively implemented the national women’s development strategy. 42. Costa Rica recognized progress achieved as part of the transition and the ceasefire agreements with ethnic groups. 43. Croatia encouraged all stakeholders to turn transparent, inclusive and participatory elections into a contribution to further democratization and peace. 44. Cuba noted important changes that had taken place, but indicated that Myanmar still needed to take action in the areas of employment, education and food. 5