A/HRC/29/7 regretted that the activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) had been impeded in the country. 41. Thailand commended the significant progress made in aligning its domestic legislation with international human rights obligations and in implementing the national development plan. Thailand expressed willingness to share knowledge in realizing the right to development. 42. Timor-Leste appreciated the continuing efforts of the Government to improve the human rights situation, in particular the Law on the Development and Protection of Women. 43. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland recognized the progress since the first UPR cycle, notably the ratification of CAT and improved international access to Hmong refugees. It was concerned about restrictions on civil society, land expropriation and compensation mechanisms. 44. The United States of America was concerned about restrictions on the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, association and religion, and the right to participate in genuine elections. It called on the Government to train local officials on the rights of all to freely manifest and practice one’s religion. 45. Uruguay appreciated the Socioeconomic Development Plan 2011–2015, which has allowed sustainable economic growth. It noted that the Plan for 2016–2020 took into consideration poverty reduction, equity and human development. Uruguay highlighted the ratification of CAT. 46. Uzbekistan commended the progress made since the first UPR cycle and welcomed the plan to strengthen the rule of law, the constitutional and legal reforms being carried out in its framework, the ratification of CAT and cooperation with United Nations human rights mechanisms. 47. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela acknowledged the progress towards implementation of the UPR recommendations, such as the ratification of CAT. It noted the achievement of the most Millennium Development Goals, and poverty reduction through the Socioeconomic Development Plan. 48. Viet Nam welcomed the efforts in implementing the accepted recommendations from the first UPR, notably its remarkable progress in poverty alleviation, human development and improvements in governance. 49. Yemen noted that, despite obstacles, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic had taken legislative measures to bring its laws in line with international commitments. It highlighted the ratification of most international human rights treaties. 50. Algeria commended the implementation of the recommendations in the sphere of governance, public administration and the rule of law since the first UPR cycle. Algeria praised the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and the ratification of CAT in 2012. 51. Angola welcomed the accession to various human rights instruments, particularly CAT. Angola noted with satisfaction the adoption of the national plan for combating corruption and the modification of related legislation in 2012. 52. Argentina commended the adoption in 2014 of a decree aimed at promoting the rights of people with disabilities, and encouraged the country to accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It noted the intention to further ratify international human rights instruments. 7