A/HRC/41/10 policies to advance human rights. It congratulated Vanuatu on efforts to implement the National Gender Equality Policy and to pursue development in an inclusive manner. 34. Slovenia noted that Vanuatu had implemented a number of the recommendations from the previous cycles. It remained concerned about the use of corporal punishment and the high level of sexual abuse of children. It congratulated Vanuatu for its work on human rights and climate change. 35. Solomon Islands commended Vanuatu for having introduced legislative reforms to bring national legislation in line with international law, noting the adoption of laws on the right to information and on education and amendments to the Penal Code. It indicated that Vanuatu had a clear vision to guide its development goals. It called on the international community to support the efforts of Vanuatu to fully achieve its development objectives and address its human rights obligations. 36. Spain welcomed the establishment by the National Human Rights Committee of a mechanism to implement review recommendations. It congratulated Vanuatu for including in its Constitution provisions on human rights, highlighting the protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. 37. Sri Lanka expressed appreciation for initiatives to enhance women’s and children’s rights and progressive policies governing education and the health sector. It encouraged Vanuatu to consider prompt ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. 38. Switzerland welcomed the opening of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Vanuatu to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva. It expressed concern about violence against children. 39. Togo welcomed the progress made by Vanuatu since the presentation of its previous report, noting the adoption of national plans and policies to protect human rights, particularly on equal rights for women, inclusive development, the protection of children, the justice system and social security. 40. Trinidad and Tobago noted that Vanuatu was the first Pacific State to develop a national implementation plan for the universal periodic review. It acknowledged the commitment by Vanuatu to addressing climate change, highlighting the adoption of action taken in that regard, and noted steps taken to improve access to basic health services. 41. Tunisia welcomed legislation adopted and action taken since the previous review with a view to strengthening the human rights framework, particularly the national strategy for gender equality and the policy on reproductive health. 42. Ukraine noted positively steps taken by Vanuatu to improve the institutional and legislative framework for human rights, particularly the adoption of various relevant policies and strategies such as the Government’s National Sustainable Development Plan, the National Child Protection Policy, the revised Gender Equity in Education Policy and the Health Sector Strategy. 43. The United Kingdom welcomed the adoption of the National Gender Equality Policy and the Gender Equity in Education Policy. It expressed concern about gender inequality, and noted that there were currently no women represented in Parliament. It encouraged Vanuatu to improve detention conditions. 44. The United States of America highlighted the importance of ending impunity for police violence. It recognized efforts to ensure that the police investigated domestic violence but noted that violence against women and child abuse remained key concerns. It encouraged efforts to identify and prevent statelessness. 45. Uruguay welcomed the development of the national implementation plan for review recommendations and progress in the area of women’s and children’s rights. It noted draft legislation on minors, aimed at addressing the issue of young offenders, and encouraged Vanuatu to continue working in that regard. 7