A/HRC/32/11 30. Morocco noted with satisfaction the legislative and institutional reforms undertaken by Palau, as well as the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It appreciated the attention paid to protect children, women and the family, and the measures taken with regard to domestic violence and violence against children. Morocco also welcomed the progress made to implement Millennium Development Goal 3 on the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women, as well as its national gender policy. 31. Namibia noted that Palau had signed the core human rights instruments, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and asked about the efforts undertaken to ratify those instruments. It commended Palau on the enactment of the Family Protection Act and the revision of the Penal Code to protect children. Namibia encouraged Palau to work in coordination with the international community to enforce international law related to water protection and security, including the impacts of global sea level rise. 32. The Netherlands commended Palau for decriminalizing homosexuality through a revision of the Penal Code in 2014. It noted that work remained to be done to bring Palau’s national legislation into conformity with its international human rights obligations. 33. New Zealand highlighted the encouraging developments, such as Palau’s accession to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2013, however, there were still some areas for further progress. It noted that Palau had signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights but has yet to ratify them. New Zealand noted that Palau had legislation prohibiting and punishing violent behaviour, but had no legislation that specifically addressed domestic violence. 34. Pakistan noted with appreciation Palau’s efforts to implement the recommendations of the first cycle of the universal periodic review. It commended the establishment of the Ombudsman’s Office, the measures taken to strengthen the legal and justice systems, the human rights awareness programmes on gender equality, education, health and disabilities. Pakistan appreciated the ongoing development of national legislation and Palau’s accession to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It also appreciated the fact that the Government encouraged the participation of girls and women in all social and economic spheres of Palau, and their increased participation in leadership roles. 35. Panama welcomed Palau’s reiteration of its invitation to Special Representatives and Special Rapporteurs, which could further compliance with the human rights commitments entered into with regard to children, persons with disabilities, violence against women, climate change, trafficking in persons and migrant workers. With regard to the Family Protection Act, Panama was concerned that the protection measures taken by Palau against domestic violence and abuse of children had not yet been clearly established. 36. The Philippines welcomed the signature of eight core international human rights treaties during the period under review and encouraged Palau to remain steadfast in pursuing the work towards their ratification. While appreciating Palau’s openness to receive migrant workers, Philippines was concerned about their reported increased vulnerability to involuntary servitude and debt bondage as a result of strict labour regulations. It requested the delegation to inform it of the measures taken to protect and promote the rights of migrant workers. 37. Portugal welcomed the signature of seven core human rights instruments since the last cycle of the review and congratulated Palau for the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Portugal regretted that the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Palau had ratified in 1995, have not yet been incorporated into the National Code. 7