A/HRC/45/2 universal periodic review mechanism which has proven to be a great multilateral achievement, in the pursuit of the realization of human rights. Lesotho appreciated the technical and financial support as well as the good cooperation received from several United Nations agencies and individual countries, which have enhanced its strides in the promotion and protection of human rights of its citizens. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the outcome of the review 508. During the adoption of the outcome of the review of Lesotho, 12 delegations made statements.** 509. Gabon was impressed by the efforts made by Lesotho in the area of gender equality and women’s empowerment and highlighted its 2016 African Gender Award for promoting social and economic rights for women. Gabon commended the Domestic Violence Bill aimed at reducing human trafficking and violence against women. However, it noted that, despite this progress, eradication of gender-based violence remained still a challenge. 510. India praised the efforts and commitment of Lesotho during the entire review. India was impressed that Lesotho accepted 168 including all four from India out of a total of 211 which showed its strong commitment to the universal periodic review process. India congratulated Lesotho for its successful review and recommended the adoption of its report 511. Libya was pleased with Lesotho’s active participation in the universal periodic review process and commended all the efforts to meet its international commitments in advancing human rights. Libya was impressed by Lesotho’s progress in empowering women in various social and economic areas, including employment, education, and health, through awareness-raising campaigns. 512. Malawi commended Lesotho for all the positive measures it has taken to improve the human rights situation in the country and appreciated all the commitments the Kingdom has made. 513. The Marshall Islands was encouraged by Lesotho’s efforts to further streamline and domesticate all international human rights treaties that it had ratified. It commended Lesotho’s actions in alleviating gender-based violence through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at consideration of additional measures to end all forms of discrimination against women and girls. The Marshall Islands welcomed the Government’s poverty reduction in line with the launch of the agricultural census to further assist in the formulation of agricultural policies and programs. It noted that Lesotho had received the simplified reporting procedures from OHCHR for the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. 514. Mauritania appreciated the remarkable efforts deployed by Lesotho to promote human rights in education, health and the protection of the rights of the child and combating corruption. It called upon the Government to continue with the ongoing constitutional and institutional reform. Mauritania encouraged Lesotho to ensure implementation of its accepted recommendations. ** The statements of the delegations that were unable to deliver them owing to time constraints which were made available are posted on the extranet of the Human Rights Council, at https://extranet.ohchr.org/sites/hrc/HRCSessions/RegularSessions/45session/Pages/Oralstatements.aspx 90