A/HRC/44/15 continued leadership on this global challenge. It also recognized that Kiribati was one of the countries most affected by climate change, facing growing threats to basic human rights to food and water security. It welcomed the country’s accession to the Convention against Torture and the two Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It further encouraged Kiribati to extend a standing invitation to all United Nations special procedures. 68. Israel noted the establishment of the National Human Rights Task Force, which was part of the Ministry of Justice. It also noted the efforts of Kiribati to mitigate the human rights implications of climate change, including the implementation of the “Whole Island Approach” to address the full range of vulnerabilities on eight islands. It further noted the country’s careful consideration of ways to promote women’s rights and gender equality against the backdrop of entrenched traditions and sensitivities. 69. Spain acknowledged the efforts of Kiribati in the promotion and protection of human rights. 70. Japan appreciated the ratification of the Convention against Torture in 2019 and the restructuring of the National Human Rights Task Force, aimed at increasing its capacity. It noted challenges facing Kiribati, including those related to the rights of women, children and vulnerable groups such as persons affected by leprosy. 71. Latvia noted measures taken in the field of promotion and protection of human rights since the previous review and encouraged Kiribati to make further efforts in fulfilling its human rights obligations and commitments. 72. Luxembourg welcomed the ratification of the Convention against Torture and the establishment of the Kiribati Women and Children Support Centre. 73. Malaysia welcomed measures taken to promote health-care services for women. In that regard, it noted the significant drop in maternal mortality thanks to an increase in skilled birth attendants. It encouraged Kiribati to continue strengthening measures to ensure equal access to health services. 74. Maldives commended Kiribati for its commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change, in particular its efforts to implement adaptation and mitigation projects. It also welcomed the adoption of the Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Act of 2019 and the ratification of the Convention against Torture. 75. The Marshall Islands was pleased to note the institution of new policies that defined and prohibited the harassment of women; prohibited domestic violence against both women and men; prohibited discrimination on the basis of gender; and required equal pay for equal work. It was also encouraged by the commitment of Kiribati to mitigating the effects of climate change. It highlighted that the Government was focused on addressing child statelessness in the face of climate change and protecting the industries of communities most affected by climate change. 76. The Netherlands commended Kiribati for its accession to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. It remained concerned about high level of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, as well as about persistent stigmatization of the LGBTI community. 77. Solomon Islands thanked Kiribati for its engagement with the universal periodic review, the Human Rights Council and other international mechanisms. It welcomed the ratification of the Convention against Torture; the incorporation of human rights principles into national legislation; plans on equality, sexual and gender-based violence, persons with disabilities, and children; and the Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Plan. 78. The Niger welcomed the progress achieved in the field of corruption, the implementation of previous recommendations, and the adoption of the Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Plan. 79. In its concluding remarks, the delegation responded to some of the issues raised during the interactive dialogue and provided clarifications: 10