A/HRC/33/4 99. Australia noted the abolition of the death penalty in the Penal Code, following commitments made in the 2011 universal periodic review. It remained concerned about the unresolved trial of President Bouterse and the 22 co-defendants for the 1982 extrajudicial killings of 15 political opponents. It also expressed concern about the national human rights institution falling under the direction of the Ministry of Home Affairs. 100. Azerbaijan welcomed the elimination of the death penalty from the Penal Code, the national strategy to combat trafficking in persons and the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. It welcomed the decision to amend the Nationality and Residency Act to ensure gender equality in the transference of nationality. 101. The Bahamas commended Suriname on the efforts undertaken to promote human rights, including in the area of gender equality, trafficking in persons, protection of children and support to civil society, which were undertaken against a challenging fiscal landscape. It requested to hear about ongoing strategies to increase participation of women in politics and decision-making. 102. Barbados applauded the establishment of a commission to implement the universal periodic review recommendations. It also encouraged the establishment of an independent national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles. It urged Suriname to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. It encouraged continued collaboration with United Nations bodies and efforts to combat trafficking in persons. 103. Belgium welcomed the abolition of the death penalty, in accordance with a recommendation it had made in the last universal periodic review. It also noted the undertaking by Suriname to remove the death penalty from the Military Penal Code. It welcomed the legal prohibition of corporal punishment, and called for awareness-raising campaigns on corporal punishment. It was concerned by the persistence of child labour in rural areas. 104. Brazil praised Suriname for: amending the Penal Code so as to abolish the death penalty; ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; measures taken regarding gender equality and violence against women and on the rights of persons with HIV/AIDS; and the adoption of the 2012-2016 development plan and legal measures to establish a national social protection system. 105. Canada encouraged the extension of the abolition of the death penalty to the Military Penal Code. It welcomed the adoption by Suriname of the road map for combating trafficking in persons (2014-2018) and encouraged concrete protection measures that target persons who are marginalized and most vulnerable to be rapidly and effectively put in place. 106. Chile appreciated progress noted in past years in the institutional, legal and political spheres, aimed at empowering women and promoting their participation in political and economic life. It noted increased participation of women in parliament. 107. China appreciated actions taken by Suriname to promote sustainable economic and social development and inter-ethnic harmony. It welcomed the accession to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; campaigns to combat domestic violence and to promote gender equality and participation of women in the political life; the national action plan to eliminate child labour; and the provision of free medical care. 108. Colombia highlighted the commitment of Suriname to abolish death penalty. Colombia offered Suriname its experience in the areas of indigenous peoples, education, health and non-discrimination. 12 GE.16-11346