A/HRC/41/10 76. Iraq commended Vanuatu for its implementation of key policies in the field of the protection and promotion of human rights. It expressed its appreciation for the adoption of various national plans and policies. 77. Ireland recognized that Vanuatu was particularly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, and welcomed the National Policy on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction, 2016–2030. It praised the commitment of Vanuatu to becoming a signatory to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 78. Italy appreciated the commitment of Vanuatu to strengthening women’s rights and gender equality, which had borne fruit in the form of specific national policies, as well as the country’s efforts to promote human rights education and awareness-raising. 79. Maldives welcomed the National Gender Equality Policy (2015–2019), the National Disability-Inclusive Development Policy (2018–2025), the Child Online Protection National Strategy Framework (2014–2021) and the National Policy on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (2016–2030). 80. Mauritius commended Vanuatu for its adoption of the National Policy on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction, 2016–2030, which was aimed at providing a framework to ensure resilience to the effects of climate change and disaster risks. 81. Mexico noted the establishment of community committees in the provinces to manage climate disasters. It also commended Vanuatu for its efforts to establish a quota system to boost women’s participation in the public and political life of the country. 82. Montenegro encouraged Vanuatu to continue its efforts to improve the institutional and normative human rights framework. It noted that Vanuatu had developed and designed a national implementation plan (2014–2018) for the universal periodic review, the first Pacific country to do so. 83. Nepal expressed its appreciation for reforms to the legislative and institutional frameworks aimed at mainstreaming human rights. It congratulated Vanuatu on the establishment of the Ministry of Climate Change and the Gender and Protection Cluster. 84. The Netherlands remained concerned about gender equality in Vanuatu. Harmful practices such as child, early and forced marriage remained prevalent. They contributed to persistently low participation of women in public and political life, as reflected by the allmale Parliament. 85. New Zealand welcomed the legislative provisions that aligned the Correctional Services Act with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It commended Vanuatu for having established the Gender and Protection Cluster. It also welcomed the implementation of the National Gender Equality Policy. 86. The Philippines commended Vanuatu for having developed a national implementation plan for the universal periodic review, and noted the legislative initiatives to safeguard human rights. It also commended Vanuatu for the support provided to the Department of Women’s Affairs, and welcomed the improvements achieved on the protection of children. 87. Portugal welcomed the progress made in the field of human rights, including the establishment of the National Human Rights Committee. 88. Senegal congratulated Vanuatu on the development of the national implementation plan for the universal periodic review. It welcomed the development of national child protection frameworks and policies, as well as the measures taken to combat inequalities. 89. In closing, the delegation expressed its sincere gratitude to all Member States for having participated and provided constructive and valuable assessments, questions and comments. Improvement of the human rights situation could not be realized overnight; it was a process that required unceasing efforts and perseverance by all countries. In that context, the universal periodic review offered Vanuatu a valuable opportunity to review its own human rights situation and take steps to improve it. Vanuatu continued to be 10