A/HRC/33/10 85. The Netherlands appreciated that the Mid-Term Development Plan (2011-2015) had prioritized a number of key sectors, including primary and secondary education and access to water and sanitation, and that the Parliament had repealed the Sorcery Act. 86. Canada acknowledged the entry into force of the Family Protection Act in Papua New Guinea. Recognizing the law as an important tool, Canada encouraged Papua New Guinea to allocate the necessary resources for its full enforcement. 87. Norway noted that gender equality was one of the most effective drivers of economic development, fair distribution, peace and democracy. It also observed that the practice of illegal logging and land-grabbing represented a challenge both to the environment and the customary rights of landowners. 88. Pakistan welcomed the efforts of the Government to protect human rights. It noted the adoption of the Family Protection Act, which criminalized domestic violence, the Lukautim Pikinini (Child) (Amendment) Act and the Action Plan on Trafficking in Persons to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies and judicial bodies. 89. Panama welcomed the adoption by Papua New Guinea of several policies, plans and programmes on gender and women’s development, noting the national strategic plan for 2010-2050 and the country’s commitment to implementing the recommendations received during the first cycle of the universal periodic review. 90. The Philippines welcomed efforts by Papua New Guinea to improve the juvenile justice system and strengthen child protection. It noted the adverse impact of climate change on the full enjoyment of human rights and called on the international community to continue assisting the country as it pursued climate change mitigation. 91. Portugal welcomed the fact that no executions had taken place in Papua New Guinea since 1954. It commended Papua New Guinea for the adoption of the Family Protection Act, which criminalized domestic violence. 92. The Republic of Korea commended the progress of Papua New Guinea since the first universal periodic review. It noted with appreciation the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the issuance of a standing invitation to the special procedures and the enactment of the Family Protection Act, as well as the repeal of the Sorcery Act in 2013. 93. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines commended Papua New Guinea for the measures taken to improve the economic and social development of its people and for launching the National Small to Medium Enterprises Policy. It noted, in particular, the Governmentfunded national women’s bank geared towards women in the informal sector. 94. Sierra Leone noted achievements, including the criminalization of domestic violence, the amending of the Criminal Code to criminalize acts of trafficking in persons, the adoption of the Lukautim Pikinini (Child) (Amendment) Act and institutional initiatives to address violence against women. It also appreciated the leading role of Papua New Guinea during negotiations on the Paris Agreement. 95. Slovenia commended Papua New Guinea for ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In noted that, despite legal and institutional developments to address violence against women, such as the Gender-based Violence National Strategy (2015-2050), it remained concerned that such developments did not translate adequately into practice and thus result in improved lives for women and girls. 96. Spain appreciated legal and institutional initiatives to improve the situation of women and girls. It welcomed the continued de facto moratorium on the death penalty and the adoption of measures to improve the living standards of the population. 12 GE.16-12009