A/HRC/41/5 provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Afghanistan was implementing a policy on the protection of children in armed conflict, pursuant to its commitments. Improved procedures had been effective in preventing the recruitment of children. Law enforcement agencies had been working to rescue children from the risk of recruitment by terrorist groups. In addition, a national action plan to end child marriage had been developed, and the work on a coordination and financing mechanism for that plan was under way. Afghanistan had launched a national child social protection programme to improve the situation of vulnerable children. 99. Liechtenstein welcomed the adoption of the law on the elimination of violence against women, but expressed its concern at the prevalence of violence against women. 100. Lithuania wished Afghanistan success in implementing its universal periodic review recommendations. 101. Luxembourg welcomed the progress made in implementing the action plan on peace, women and security, and the efforts on access to education. It urged the State to strengthen the ongoing peace process, although was concerned about the security and humanitarian challenges posed. 102. Malaysia commended the developments in national policy, the efforts to foster human rights culture and the measures taken to promote women’s rights and empower women. 103. Maldives welcomed the ratification of key human rights instruments and the efforts to promote human rights awareness among law enforcement officials and the judiciary. 104. Malta welcomed the law on religious minorities, the steps taken to address discrimination against women and the ratification of human rights instruments. 105. Mauritania appreciated the State’s achievements and its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, and the measures taken to protect citizens and combat terrorism. 106 Mauritius welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the programmes to improve the rate of literacy, alleviate poverty, and improve infrastructure and access to services. 107. Mexico acknowledged the progress made and the reform of the Penal Code with regard to violence against women, and hoped that the relevant strategy and action plan would be implemented. 108. Montenegro encouraged the implementation of the national strategy and action plan concerning violence against women and the strengthening of accountability for the recruitment or use of children. 109. Myanmar welcomed the State’s positive achievements, but noted the need to strengthen the rights of women and children. 110. Nepal commended the resilience and perseverance of the Afghan people, and hoped for an expeditious and sustainable conclusion to the peace process. 111. The Netherlands acknowledged the State’s commitment to human rights, but stressed the importance of a national mechanism for transitional justice and national reconciliation. 112. Nigeria commended Afghanistan for its cooperation with human rights mechanisms and efforts to combat terrorism and corruption. 113. Norway appreciated the efforts made to improve the situation of women, but remained worried about the quality of implementation. It commended the follow-up to the recommendations made by the national human rights institution. 114. Oman noted the establishment of the development, rule of law and anti-corruption council, and the high-profile legislative reforms. 115. Pakistan commended Afghanistan for its efforts to reduce poverty by ensuring better access to economic means, food security and better policies. 9