A/HRC/45/2 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the outcome of the review 475. During the adoption of the outcome of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, 12 delegations made statements. ** 476. Singapore welcomed the assurance of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic that it will continue to cooperate with all United Nations human rights mechanisms. Singapore noted the State’s duty to search for missing citizens and hoped that the authorities will resolve the case of Mr. Sombath Somphone expeditiously. Singapore wished it continued success in improving the lives of its entire people and in achieving graduation from LDC status in 2024. 477. Sri Lanka appreciated the resolve of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to develop its human rights system through institutional structures and normative frameworks. It took note of the inclusion of amendments in the Constitution acknowledging State obligations vis-à-vis human rights. It also welcomed the creation of a legal database, allowing people to access legal information, and encouraging comments to draft laws. It also commended the efforts to address the issue of children dropping out of schools and to reduce child-education costs. 478. Thailand commended the Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s effective COVID-19 response. It welcomed acceptance of its recommendations including one related to the incorporation of the rights of various groups in its national socio-economic development plan and to the adoption of integrated approaches in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals and human rights. Thailand encouraged the preparation of a voluntary mid-term report and the maintenance of a regular dialogue with national stakeholders. 479. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland also commended the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for its very effective response to COVID-19. It expressed concerns regarding restrictions on foreign news agencies and the use of intimidation against critics of the State and urged the Government to protect the right to freedom of expression for all. It noted with concern that the case of Sombath Somphone is yet to be resolved and asked that investigations into all enforced disappearances be carried out. It regretted that its recommendation to undertake impartial, thorough and transparent investigations into all enforced disappearances was not supported. 480. UNICEF acknowledged the efforts of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to realize the rights of children and welcomed the acceptance of recommendations to further strengthen health, education and child protection systems to provide services for the most vulnerable children. It also welcomed the Government’s decision to address further child trafficking, early marriage and infant mortality. However, it regretted that the recommendation to develop a comprehensive national strategy on the rights of the child, with a specific budget line and monitoring mechanism, was only noted. 481. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela appreciated efforts provided by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to implement accepted recommendations of the universal periodic review. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela commended the Government’s policy on poverty reduction and the rate achieved in 2018. It also commended the Government’s policies in education and health aimed at protecting the most vulnerable. The ** 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 84