A/HRC/41/4 40. Iceland was pleased about cooperation to advance gender equality and to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and the rights of persons with disabilities, and about the developments described in the national report. 41. Indonesia welcomed amendments made to the Human Rights Act to strengthen the New Zealand Human Rights Commission. It noted violence prevention programmes and dissemination activities involving the Māori community. 42. The Islamic Republic of Iran shared the concerns of the Human Rights Committee about the lack of a comprehensive national strategy to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance. 43. Iraq welcomed the cooperation by New Zealand with special procedure mandate holders and treaty bodies. It appreciated policies and strategies to protect the Māori and other minorities. 44. Ireland welcomed the commitment by New Zealand to upholding the rights affirmed in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and to the fundamental importance of the Treaty of Waitangi. 45. Italy appreciated the commitment of the authorities to address family and sexual violence. Italy also noted efforts to reduce the gender pay gap, to eradicate child poverty and to address bullying at school. 46. Kyrgyzstan welcomed efforts undertaken and practical measures by the Government in promoting human rights, but indicated that more should be done. 47. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic commended New Zealand for its efforts in promoting and protecting human rights at home and overseas, in particular economic, social and cultural rights. 48. Madagascar welcomed the compensation provided to victims of domestic violence and the establishment of a new elder abuse response service, and encouraged New Zealand to continue with those actions. 49. Maldives commended institutional and legislative measures taken by New Zealand. Maldives was encouraged by the non-discrimination policy within the education system, which allowed children with special educational needs to enrol at State schools. 50. Mexico acknowledged plans presented within the framework of the Open Government Partnership, as well as efforts made to combat child poverty, domestic and gender-based violence, and the specific situation faced by the Māori. 51. Mongolia welcomed measures taken to improve the socioeconomic situation of the Māori and Pacific communities. It highlighted the establishment of a ministry for the rights of children and the introduction of the Child Poverty Reduction Bill. 52. Montenegro urged the Government to take the necessary action to address concerns about high levels of gender-based violence and low levels of reporting, particularly among Māori, and the absence of a comprehensive strategy in this regard. 53. Myanmar appreciated efforts by New Zealand for protection of the rights of children and the introduction of the Child Poverty Reduction Bill. Myanmar noted that New Zealand had been the first country to secure the right of women to vote. 54. Nepal noted the successful implementation of initiatives to ensure the participation of women in leadership positions. Nepal applauded the commitment by New Zealand to fulfil its humanitarian responsibilities and provide protection to refugees. 55. The Netherlands commended the Government for prioritizing the development of a comprehensive action plan under the auspices of the Human Rights Commission, and in particular for targeting gender-based violence in consultation with relevant stakeholders. 56. Nigeria commended New Zealand on its cooperation with human rights mechanisms and on its strategy on migrants, including their settlement and integration, as well as on measures to protect migrant workers from exploitation. 6