A/HRC/16/7 impact of the consequences of its great vulnerability to environmental factors. Algeria made recommendations. 37. Austria commended Maldives for the exemplary democratic transition begun in 2008 with the enactment of a new Constitution and the holding of the first democratic and multiparty elections. Austria also recognized efforts and dedication with regard to judicial reform. It expressed appreciation for Maldives’ constructive participation in the work of the Human Rights Council and special procedures. Austria made recommendations. 38. Mexico congratulated Maldives on its transition to democracy and noted efforts to strengthen legal protection and measures to prevent torture and other ill treatment. It asked what technical assistance Maldives needed from the international community in order to develop its capacity to address cases involving the sexual abuse of women and children. Mexico made recommendations. 39. India noted the socio-economic progress in the country. It requested Maldives to share information about the causes of the high unemployment and drug addiction and steps taken in that regard. It also requested the country to share details about assistance required in the areas of judicial and prison reform. It referred to the threat posed to Maldives by climate change. India made a recommendation. 40. The United Arab Emirates noted considerable progress made and measures taken to protect the right to health, including the prevention of disease, and particularly Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5. It welcomed plans that had made it possible to eradicate certain epidemics such as polio and malaria. It asked for additional information concerning the cooperation between the World Health Organization (WHO) and Maldives. 41. Indonesia noted Maldives’ democratic reforms and that poverty was a major obstacle to the fulfilment of human rights. It acknowledged the impact of climate change on the enjoyment of a wide range of human rights. It commended Maldives for improvements made in connection with the right to health. Indonesia made recommendations. 42. Malaysia recognized the challenges faced by Maldives and noted with appreciation that it would soon shed its least developed country status. It noted that the Maldivian legal system was a mixture of Shariah and English civil and common law traditions, and requested Maldives to share best practices in ensuring the rule of law in a hybrid system. It made recommendations. 43. Finland welcomed Maldives’ decision to declare housing as one of its five priorities. It asked whether human rights were taken into account in the country’s climate change adaptation and post-disaster reconstruction processes. It also asked what measures were planned to improve housing affordability in the light of the fact that internal migration had led to overcrowding in the capital. Finland made recommendations. 44. Morocco referred to the impact of climate change on the enjoyment of human rights. It noted the progress made in the areas of freedom of expression and women’s rights. It encouraged Maldives to follow practices of other Muslim countries in the area of freedom of religion and belief. Morocco made recommendations. 45. Azerbaijan indicated its awareness of Maldives’ vulnerability to climate change and the negative impact that it could have on human rights. It noted with appreciation that the Maldives would soon graduate from the list of least developed countries. It asked whether Maldives was considering ratifying the Palermo Protocol. Azerbaijan made recommendations. 46. Sri Lanka commended Maldives for the withdrawal of its reservation to article 7 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and welcomed the active review of the reservations under the International Covenant on Civil 7