A/HRC/45/2 Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela wished to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic every success in the implementation of the accepted recommendations. 482. Viet Nam thanked the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for accepting its recommendation on poverty reduction and social economic development. It acknowledged the efforts made by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s in this regard. Viet Nam also welcomed the country’s support to its recommendation on improving access to affordable medical services and educational opportunities for its people in remote areas. 483. Belgium welcomed the Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s acceptance of its recommendations to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and to ensure that any restriction to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly comply with international human rights standards. Belgium asked what concrete measures were envisaged for their implementation. Belgium regretted that its recommendation to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, was not accepted and invited the authorities to reconsider their position. 484. Brunei Darussalam appreciated the update on progress made by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic since its review in January 2020. In particular, it commended efforts to protect the right of children to education and the advances in healthcare for mothers and children. It appreciated the fact that the Lao People’s Democratic Republic had accepted the recommendations made by Brunei Darussalam in these areas. 485. China welcomed the efforts of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to promote economic and social development, to improve living standards and reduce poverty, to develop education and health, and to guarantee the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. It appreciated the fact that the Lao People’s Democratic Republic had supported the recommendations China had made in these areas. 486. Cuba congratulated the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for the large number of accepted recommendations. Cuba urged the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to continue to eliminate poverty to improve the quality and scope of its education and health system, particularly in remote areas, and to continue improving the standard of living of its population. Cuba wished the delegation success in implementing the accepted recommendations. 487. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea stated that the interactive dialogue with the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was an opportunity to understand its policies and experiences for the promotion and protection of human rights. It welcomed the acceptance of many recommendations, including those made by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, to make further efforts in the field of human rights. 488. Egypt commended the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for progress made. In particular, it highlighted the establishment of the National Committee for the Advancement of Women and Children, the National Committee on Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly, and the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking. Egypt encouraged the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to continue to cooperate with treaty bodies and special procedures. 3. General comments made by other stakeholders 489. During the adoption of the outcome of the review of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, six other stakeholders made statements. 490. The Alliance Defending Freedom appreciated the commitment by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to review and amend Decree 315 on Management and Protection of Religious Activities as well as to streamline administrative procedures to eliminate discrimination against religious minorities by local officials. It also commended the 85