A/HRC/45/2 515. Namibia commended Lesotho for the smooth and peaceful transition of power. It was pleased to note that the new Government was committed to ensure full and comprehensive implementation of the national reform process. While welcoming these positive steps it encouraged Lesotho as per Namibia’s recommendations to take further steps to promote and protect the rights of women and girls. 516. Nepal commended Lesotho for accepting most of the recommendations received during the third cycle. It appreciated that both of its recommendations on enhancing efforts to establish a National Human Rights Commission and continuing measures to improve access to health services enjoyed Lesotho’s support. 517. Nigeria was pleased to note the concerted efforts made by Lesotho to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, with a view to fulfilling its international human rights obligations. It commended the Government’s efforts with regard to the right to education, as well as in upholding the rights of persons with disabilities. 518. The Philippines (by video message) was encouraged by Lesotho’s commitment in advancing the realisation of human rights and welcomed its adoption of national strategies on inclusive and sustainable growth; social and economic development; and strengthening of governance and accountability. 519. Senegal supported the efforts made by Lesotho to strengthen its legal and institutional human rights frameworks. It applauded the ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Older Persons and the implementation of its National Strategic Development Plan II. It commended Lesotho’s political will to develop a society where human rights will constitute the highest standards for a peaceful and democratic coexistence. 520. Sierra Leone commended Lesotho’s efforts to advance human rights domestically by accepting the majority of the recommendations received during its third universal periodic review, including those suggested by Sierra Leone on timely reporting and follow-up; and on legislative reforms to combat gender-based violence. Sierra Leone was confident that Lesotho will remain committed in its efforts to reform its human rights institutions and mechanisms with the aim of promoting and protecting all human rights, including the implementation of previously accepted recommendations. 521. South Africa encouraged Lesotho to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. It highlighted the need to fully implement poverty alleviation programmes though agricultural policies. It praised Lesotho’s efforts to alleviate gender-based violence by the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Minister of Gender and the Office of the First Lady to end all forms of discrimination against women and girls. It appreciated the efforts to establish a Human Rights Commission in line with Paris Principles. 3. General comments made by other stakeholders 522. During the adoption of the outcome of the review of Lesotho, four other stakeholders made statements.** 523. The International Volunteerism Organization for Women, Education and Development (VIDES), co-sponsored by Istituto Internazionale Maria Ausiliatrice delle ** The statements of stakeholders 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 91