A/HRC/31/13 86. Ireland welcomed the nationwide ceasefire agreement but was concerned about restrictions on the media and on freedom of expression. 87. Israel welcomed the democratization process undertaken with the constructive engagement of the international community. 88. Italy commended progress towards democratization and national reconciliation and encouraged Myanmar to continue on that path. 89. Japan welcomed the national ceasefire agreement and highlighted the importance of conducting elections in a free and fair manner. 90. Kuwait acknowledged the steps taken by Myanmar to identify the root causes of the recent violence in Rakhine State. 91. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic welcomed progress in promoting the freedoms of expression and of assembly, improving the educational programme and healthcare services and empowering women. 92. Latvia encouraged Myanmar to make better use of the valuable expertise of special procedures mandate holders. 93. Libya expressed concern about human rights violations and racial discrimination faced by Rohingya in their civil, political and cultural life. 94. Lithuania expressed its concern about the continuing practice of torture in places of detention and encouraged Myanmar to establish an OHCHR office. 95. Luxembourg was concerned about freedom of expression and the situation of Rohingya and other ethnic minorities. 96. Indonesia welcomed the strong commitment to, and the significant progress made with respect to, democracy and the promotion and protection of human rights. 97. Mexico acknowledged programmes and initiatives to improve education and health and to guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities. 98. Montenegro was concerned about the absence of a minimum age for marriage for boys and the legality of the marriage of girls as young as 14 years. 99. Namibia encouraged Myanmar to allocate adequate resources to implement effectively the national strategic plan for the advancement of women for the period 20132022. 100. Nepal appreciated efforts in the implementation by Myanmar of recommendations since the adoption of its initial universal periodic review report. 101. The Netherlands welcomed the release of political prisoners; however, it expressed concern about the increase since 2015 in political prisoners and detained journalists. 102. New Zealand expressed concern about the marginalization of certain minority groups, restricting their ability to participate in the November election. 103. Nicaragua noted challenges such as the consolidation of democracy, reconciliation and peace, and congratulated Myanmar on its reforms to achieve those objectives. 104. Nigeria welcomed various reforms for the protection and promotion of human rights and noted that those bold steps had led to the amendment, repeal or enactment of 171 laws. 105. Norway expressed concern about arrests during peaceful demonstrations, political prisoners continuing to face arbitrary detention, and punitive measures regarding illegal abortion. 9