A/HRC/41/4 57. Oman welcomed the broad consultations undertaken by New Zealand in its preparation of the national report, its efforts to bolster human rights institutions, and changes in legislation to strengthen the country’s Human Rights Commission. 58. Pakistan appreciated efforts made by New Zealand aimed at eliminating the gender pay gap and increasing women’s participation in governance. It was concerned that women were still significantly underrepresented in senior leadership positions. 59. Paraguay commended New Zealand for its new legislation aimed at preventing and punishing forced and early marriages and female genital mutilation, and encouraged the country to implement this law effectively. 60. Peru recognized the progress made by New Zealand in promoting human rights, especially through programmes developed in consultation with Māori, such as Whanau Protect and E Tu Whanau. 61. The Philippines commended New Zealand for its implementation of the Treaty of Waitangi framework in relation to the Māori people, and encouraged it to share its experience globally. The Philippines commended measures to prevent the exploitation of migrant workers. 62. Portugal welcomed the strong commitment of New Zealand to the respect and the protection of human rights. 63. Qatar appreciated the legislative and institutional measures adopted by New Zealand aimed at promoting and protecting human rights, particularly the National Plan of Action for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights. 64. The Republic of Korea was encouraged by actions to promote the rights of vulnerable groups, including indigenous people, and noted with appreciation that New Zealand had strengthened its legal and institutional architecture for human rights. 65. The Republic of Moldova welcomed improvements in the field of youth and children’s rights, through the Child Poverty Reduction Bill, and efforts to engage young people in the preparation of the national report. 66. In response to comments concerning indigenous rights, the delegation reported on the establishment of a new government agency to strengthen partnership with the Māori people. There were more Māori Members of Parliament and Cabinet members, and relations between the Government and the Māori people had been strengthened in areas where the Māori people had been at a disadvantage, such as health and education and their overrepresentation in the criminal justice system. 67. The Ministry of Māori Development had implemented a partnered approach between the Government and the Māori people. For example, Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Act) provided for the revitalization of the Māori language. The delegation also described action adopted in the context of the Ministry for Children and in the context of work against family violence and sexual violence. 68. The incidence of family violence and violence against women was unacceptable, and the Government intended to substantially reduce its occurrence and had adopted a number of initiatives. There was now a Parliamentary Undersecretary to the Minister of Justice with a dedicated role for reduction of domestic violence. Major government agencies and departments were developing a national action plan to address the problem. The resultant integrated system would prioritize victims and be focused on prevention. 69. The gender pay gap was one of the lowest in the world, but it was still a problem and there were ongoing measures to reduce it. The Government was promoting women in the public sector in management and governance roles. 70. As for abortion, the Government was committed to cease approaching it as a criminal issue and to view it as a health issue. The Law Commission had issued recommendations, which were under consideration, and which would require legislative changes. 7