A/HRC/30/13 23. The Philippines appreciated the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, recalling that during the first universal periodic review, the Marshall Islands had received numerous recommendations regarding ratification of core international human rights treaties. It inquired about actions taken towards the ratification of those treaties. It pointed out that the Marshall Islands was late in submitting periodic reports in compliance with its obligations under those human rights conventions. The Philippines made a recommendation. 24. Portugal welcomed the steps taken to protect and promote human rights since the first universal periodic review, including the adoption of the Public School System Act 2013, which established a public free-of-charge school system. It welcomed the determination of the Marshall Islands to prevent adolescent pregnancy as reflected in the development of its 2014–2016 strategy. Portugal made recommendations. 25. The Russian Federation noted with satisfaction the progress achieved, including the new Criminal Code and the National Strategic Plan 2015–2017. It appreciated the policies to promote gender equality, improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities, and for the development of youth. It highlighted the need for the international community to provide support relating to health care and the environment. The Russian Federation made recommendations. 26. Rwanda noted with appreciation the legislative development, national measures and policies aimed at promoting and protecting human rights. It commended the Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Act. It noted with appreciation the development of the National Gender Policy, scheduled for review by the Cabinet in early 2015 and inquired about its outcome. It commended the adoption of the Disability Inclusive Development Policy. Rwanda made recommendations. 27. Sierra Leone commended efforts to address human rights issues in a holistic manner by engaging various stakeholders at the regional and international levels and pointed out that the Marshall Islands was well on its way to meeting Millennium Development Goal 4. It commended climate change management initiatives and encouraged the Marshall Islands to continue to seek technical assistance from the international community. Sierra Leone made recommendations. 28. Singapore welcomed the accession of the Marshall Islands to the United Nations Convention against Corruption and commended it for including good governance as one of the five sectors of activity through which it sought to achieve the objectives of its National Strategic Plan. It acknowledged the efforts of the Marshall Islands in protecting and promoting the rights of women. Singapore made recommendations. 29. Slovenia commended the Marshall Islands for ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It welcomed efforts in the field of gender equality and the empowerment of women, including the adoption of the Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Act 2011 and work on a new National Gender Policy. It pointed out efforts made to ensure the right to education but remained concerned about high-school dropout rates. Slovenia made recommendations. 30. Spain recognized the efforts made by the Marshall Islands in the area of the rights of persons with disabilities and congratulated it on the recent ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Spain made recommendations. 31. Responding to questions, the Marshall Islands underlined the fact that, concerning gender equality, even though there was only one female member of Parliament out of 33, a number of the country’s positions in the public service were held by women such as the 7