A/HRC/27/12 111. Slovenia welcomed the active cooperation of Costa Rica with international human rights bodies. It commended Costa Rica for its human rights record and the establishment of CIIDDHH. 112. Spain commended Costa Rica for progress made in protecting women’s rights, including the establishment of the High Level Commission to follow-up on the implementation of the Violence against Women Act. 113. Sri Lanka took note of efforts to address violence against women. It noted the difficulties Costa Rica faced in relation to criminal organizations, the drugs trade and trafficking in persons and recognized efforts made by the Government. 114. The State of Palestine congratulated Costa Rica for progress made in the promotion and protection of human rights since the first UPR cycle. It welcomed the commitment of Costa Rica to improving people’s quality of life and developing a culture of respect and non-discrimination in the country. 115. The Sudan commended Costa Rica for its accession to different human rights treaties, its adoption of related legislation and its efforts to protect the rights of vulnerable groups. It also commended its efforts to combat human trafficking. 116. Canada asked the delegation for more information on initiatives to continue fighting racism, particularly against persons of African descent, indigenous communities, migrants and refugees. 117. Thailand welcomed the establishment of CIIDDHH and the permanent body for consultation with civil society. 118. Togo applauded the important actions undertaken by Costa Rica since the first UPR cycle to ensure the effective enjoyment of human rights in the country. 119. Trinidad and Tobago acknowledged the challenges and efforts to enhance the Costa Rican framework for the promotion and protection of human rights, including the development of programmes and policies targeting specific groups. 120. Tunisia appreciated efforts undertaken since the last review of Costa Rica, including the ratification of international and regional human rights instruments and the adoption of national policies. 121. Uzbekistan welcomed the establishment of CIIDDHH. It expressed concern at the vulnerable situation of women, discrimination against indigenous communities and children of African descent and the high number of juveniles in prison. It noted allegations of illtreatment of children by police and prison officers. 122. Ukraine commended Costa Rica for its efforts to promote and protect human rights, ensure the rule of law and comply with international human rights standards. It encouraged Costa Rica to pursue those activities, in particular those related to child labour. 123. The United Kingdom welcomed the ongoing emphasis in Costa Rica on protecting children from abuse and urged Costa Rica to ensure that all offenders were prosecuted. It also encouraged Costa Rica to strengthen efforts to protect women from domestic violence and reduce discrimination against LGBT persons. 124. The delegation appreciated the comments and recommendations made with regard to children and young persons who were victims of organized crime. It noted that the Costa Rican authorities were working to guarantee their protection. 125. The delegation was grateful for the spirit of dialogue and cooperation in which the country’s challenges had been identified. The current exercise was especially enriching, above all because, prior to the meeting, an internal review of the human rights situation in 13