A/HRC/19/17 32. The Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic was encouraged by Timor-Leste’s success in establishing a legal system and political stability since its independence. It noted that Timor-Leste was party to several core international human rights instruments and had participated in their implementation. It noted that the cooperation with United Nations human rights mechanisms and the international community was a guarantee for TimorLeste to achieve its commitment in promoting and protecting human rights. It made recommendations. 33. The Philippines appreciated Timor-Leste’s efforts to improve human rights amidst challenges faced as a young democracy. Philippines noted that Timor-Leste was working on legislative reforms and it trusted that these reforms would be approved. Philippines acknowledged Timor-Leste’s measures to address challenges in particular the protection of women and children. The Philippines were pleased to note the decrease of infant mortality in Timor-Leste and its positive developments in improving maternal health. Philippines stated that it remains committed in supporting Timor-Leste in this area. It made recommendations. 34. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela recognized Timor-Leste’s efforts to overcome its past tragedies. It noted that Timor-Leste had shown its commitment to human rights. Venezuela appreciated Timor-Leste’s frank approach to its challenges in satisfying basic needs of its population. Venezuela appreciated Timor-Leste’s efforts to provide full enjoyment of human rights, for example the creation of the Human Rights and Justice Ombudsman. Venezuela recognized Timor-Leste’s achievements in the field of social rights. Venezuela made a recommendation. 35. Cuba noted that Timor-Leste had faced challenges derived from the unjust international economic order but achieved results in the health sector, noting hospital and primary attention services, as well as the National Institute for Health. It also noted progress toward adequate treatment of tuberculosis, malaria and the reduction of infant mortality. It expressed Cuba’s satisfaction at having contributed modestly to some of these advances. It noted the implementation of the national studies plan and of a scholarship program. It made a recommendation. 36. Japan appreciated Timor-Leste’s human rights commitment since independence, demonstrated by the ratification of the core treaties, the establishment of related institutions, and the adoption of legislation and policies, noting that Japan had assisted with capacity-building and training. Japan hoped that Timor-Leste would continue to make further efforts in the human rights area. It welcomed the establishment of a penal code, which incorporated international human rights standards and the Strategic Plan for the Justice Sector. Japan was aware of challenges in the system of justice. It commended efforts to provide free, universal education and to promote gender equality. Japan made recommendations. 37. Brazil noted that its relationship with Timor-Leste was based on friendship and common heritage. It noted its Constitution was based on the rule of law and provided for human rights protection, and that Timor-Leste was party to most of the core human rights instruments and had an A-status human rights institution. It noted that Brazil had supported its effort to reconstruct the country’s institutions, highlighting education, agriculture and the justice sector. It noted challenges for Timor-Leste in children’s school enrolment and gender-based violence. It highlighted initiatives for school feeding and the policy for zero tolerance for ill-treatment in schools. It made recommendations. 38. Portugal noted that after decades of suffering, Timor-Leste gained independence only nine years ago. It noted progress attained by extraordinary efforts of reconstruction and reconciliation. It highlighted that Timor-Leste could be proud of having established institutions, adopting legislation and policies that protect human rights. It welcomed the 7