A/HRC/43/10 24. The United Arab Emirates commended Kazakhstan for the human rights reforms undertaken to enhance transparency and accountability and the introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals into its national laws and plans. 25. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland noted the actions to reduce the prison population and investigate instances of torture. It was concerned about libel charges used to control the media and restrict the freedom of expression of journalists. 26. The United States of America urged the Government to continue its productive engagement with civil society and encouraged further measures to ensure and protect freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. 27. Uruguay noted the cooperation with the international human rights system and encouraged the adoption of measures to guarantee the right to freedom of the press and freedom of expression and association. 28. Uzbekistan welcomed the cooperation with the United Nations human rights mechanisms and noted the Government’s commitment to openness, including through the involvement of civil society and the creation of the National Council of Public Trust. 29. Turkey appreciated the progress in empowering women and commended Kazakhstan for the establishment of the National Council of Public Trust. It also noted the President’s efforts with regard to human rights. 30. Viet Nam commended Kazakhstan for its implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the achievements in the areas of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. 31. Yemen appreciated the adoption of a national plan to implement five institutional reforms relating to the rule of law, economic growth, accountability and transparency in the Government. 32. Afghanistan commended Kazakhstan for the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the establishment of the Commissioner for Children’s Rights in 2016. 33. Algeria welcomed the measures taken by Kazakhstan to provide access to housing and to ensure universal access to and improve the quality of education. 34. Argentina praised Kazakhstan for its cooperation with the treaty bodies, and for having issued a standing invitation to, and receiving visits from, the special procedures of the Human Rights Council. 35. Armenia noted with satisfaction the implementation of the national plan on trafficking in persons and the adoption of legislative and practical measures to strengthen punishments for trafficking and crimes against humanity, as well as initiatives to allow national minorities to exercise their rights freely. 36. Australia welcomed a zero-tolerance approach to torture, but remained concerned by the number of reported incidents, indicating that the use of torture remained a systemic issue to be addressed. 37. Austria noted the findings of the Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment on the reported cases of criminal prosecution against members of the national preventive mechanism and the deteriorating conditions for freedom of expression. 38. Azerbaijan highlighted the development of inclusive education programmes and praised the Government’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and its interim progress report in that regard. 39. Bahrain praised the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and stressed the importance of continuing reforms prioritizing the rights of minorities and vulnerable groups. 40. Belarus noted with satisfaction the improvements in the living standards and welfare of citizens and achievements in the areas of education, health and social assistance. 4