A/HRC/31/17 76. The United States of America commended the human rights record of Sao Tome and Principe, particularly with regard to women’s rights, religious freedom, free and fair elections and peaceful transfer of power. However, it remained concerned that some minors were engaged in child labour through domestic service and street work, hindering them from completing their primary education. It made recommendations. 77. Uruguay encouraged Sao Tome and Principe to redouble efforts to increase its participation in the international human rights mechanisms, in cooperation with different actors, including OHCHR. It commended the 2012 revision of the Penal Code and encouraged Sao Tome and Principe to consider ratifying international human rights instruments. It was concerned that domestic violence and ill -treatment of children seemed prevalent in the country. It made recommendations. 78. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and was pleased at the steps taken to create a national human rights institution in conformity with the Paris Principles. It highlighted the policies to eliminate illiteracy and commended the fact that basic education was compulsory and free. It made recommendations. 79. Algeria congratulated Sao Tome and Principe on its preparation of the programme to reform the judiciary in 2015, and on the steps taken to harmonize domestic law with international human rights standards. It also noted with satisfaction the efforts made in the fields of education, health and poverty reduction, despite economic difficulties. It made recommendations. 80. Cabo Verde highlighted the successes in food security and agricultural development, combating malaria and HIV/AIDS, and supplying drinking water to the population; transparency in the mining industry; the announcement of the imminent ratification of core international human rights instruments; the adoption of a programme to reform the judicial sector and an action plan for 2016 -2019; and the projects to improve the penitentiary system. It made recommendations. 81. Argentina welcomed the delegation of Sao Tome and Principe and thanked it for the presentation of its national report. It congratulated Sao Tome and Principe on its adoption of the Education Training Strategy 2007-2017 with inclusive education programmes. It made recommendations. 82. Armenia appreciated the steps taken to promote the right to health, particularly the primary health-care services that provided free consultations and medication to children under 5 years of age, pregnant women, chronically ill persons and children under the national school health programme. It also encouraged Sao Tome and Principe to ensure equal opportunities for men and women to access all levels of education. It made recommendations. 83. Australia commended the appointment of the first Minister for Justice and Human Rights, the priority given to addressing domestic violence, and the legalization of same-sex relations between consenting adults. It also welcomed the work being undertaken to establish a national human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles, and the establishment of an interministerial human rights commission. It made recommendations. 84. The Minister of Justice and Human Rights of Sao Tome and Principe thanked the speakers for their recommendations and their recognition of the progress that Sao Tome and Principe had made in relative terms since submitting its first report in 2011. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the ratification of international treaties in the light of their importance for the promotion and protection of human 12/25 GE.16-00396