A/HRC/43/10 124. Serbia welcomed the implementation of the National Plan with regard to increasing penalties for violence, trafficking in persons and other crimes, in particular crimes against children. 125. Singapore commended Kazakhstan for the establishment of the Office of the Commissioner for Children’s Rights, enhanced punishments for the sexual and financial exploitation of children and the development of training schemes for judges. 126. Slovakia commended Kazakhstan for hosting visits from special procedure mandate holders. It was concerned that the Criminal Code recognized 17 crimes for which the death penalty could be imposed. 127. Slovenia noted the progress in achieving gender equality in elected institutions. It also noted that violence against women remained acute, especially in rural areas, and that legislation decriminalizing domestic violence needed to be improved. 128. Spain noted that Kazakhstan had ratified the majority of international human rights treaties and made recommendations. 129. Sri Lanka noted the reforms to the Constitution in 2017 and the adoption of amendments to the laws on elections. It also noted the Government’s commitment to zero tolerance for acts of torture and violence, especially against women and children. 130. Sudan commended Kazakhstan for the establishment of the national preventive mechanism and the Commissioner for Children’s Rights, as well as efforts to empower women, especially in the health and education sectors. 131. Sweden encouraged further efforts to protect women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, and all persons in vulnerable situations, from violence and discrimination, as well as the complete abolition of the death penalty. 132. Switzerland commended Kazakhstan on the progress made in the penitentiary system. However, it noted that certain formulations in the Criminal Code increased the risk of arbitrary interpretation, restricting civil society space and the right to freedom of expression. 133. Thailand welcomed the establishment of the National Council of Public Trust and the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It commended Kazakhstan for efforts to combat trafficking in persons and other crimes. 134. Timor-Leste noted the increasing engagement with the United Nations human rights mechanisms and welcomed the development of the family and gender policy concept to 2030 and its national plan targeting the elimination of violence and trafficking in persons. 135. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted the introduction of 79.9 per cent of the Sustainable Development Goal indicators into the national strategic planning and highlighted the progress in education and employment, especially for persons with disabilities. 136. Honduras welcomed the progress made, in particular the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 137. In conclusion, the delegation of Kazakhstan noted that, in 2016, a new Concept of Family and Gender Policy had been approved to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the recommendations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. To reinforce national institutional and human capacity, a three-year agreement had been concluded with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. 138. Kazakhstan noted that it had always been and remained committed to the principles of openness, transparency and impartiality in its promotion and protection of human rights, and would continue to consistently improve the existing legal and institutional mechanisms in that area. 10