A/HRC/44/8 44. Montenegro noted positive developments with regard to the ratification of the core human rights treaties, but wished to underscore its concerns over the worst forms of child labour, exploitation of children and child marriage. 45. Morocco supported the constitutional reforms undertaken, particularly in the fight against trafficking in humans, the adoption of the strategy to combat corruption, and efforts to promote the rule of law and access to justice. 46. Mozambique commended Lesotho on its efforts regarding the submission of overdue reports to the different international and regional human rights treaty bodies, as it sought to promote and protect the human rights of its people. 47. Myanmar commended the efforts of Lesotho to align its legislation with United Nations human rights treaties, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. 48. Namibia commended Lesotho on its efforts to advance the economic and social rights of women, as well as the rights of children, and welcomed the ongoing campaign aimed at eliminating child marriages. 49. Nepal welcomed the initiatives taken by Lesotho, for example the re-establishment of the National AIDS Commission and the National Health Strategy for Adolescents and Young People to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. 50. The Netherlands appreciated the Government’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, but remained concerned about the high level of discrimination and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, as well as the widespread problem of gender-based violence. 51. New Zealand hailed the wide-ranging constitutional and security sector reforms of Lesotho and acknowledged its ongoing commitment to fighting corruption, but was concerned about a lack of health-care access for poor and rural women. 52. Lesotho referred to recommendations made from the floor, including the abolition of the death penalty, the submission of overdue State party reports, national enactment of international treaties, the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission, child labour, trafficking in persons, the situation of persons with disabilities, the policy to address climate change and the rights of migrants. 53. When responding to some of the statements, Lesotho indicated that, since the death penalty was provided for in the Constitution as a limitation on the right to life, its abolition had been tabled for national debate as part of the national reform process. Ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, would depend on the outcome of the national reforms. 54. The Niger welcomed the initiatives taken by Lesotho aimed at reducing poverty and ensuring the economic development of the country despite various difficulties, among which was the lack of resources and capacities. 55. Nigeria noted with encouragement the efforts of Lesotho to strengthen its legal and institutional frameworks for the promotion and protection of human rights, and commended the Government on its determination to combat corruption and enhance good governance. 56. Pakistan welcomed the efforts of Lesotho to reduce extreme poverty, food insecurity and unemployment, and hailed the National Youth Policy 2017, designed to stimulate environmental awareness among young persons and their responsibilities towards environmental sustainability and poverty reduction. 57. The Philippines expressed its appreciation for the adoption of national strategies that gave due priority to inclusive and sustainable growth, socioeconomic development and the strengthening of governance and accountability. 58. Portugal thanked Lesotho for the presentation of its national report and commended it on ratifying or acceding to all the core human rights treaties, as well as a number of International Labour Organization instruments. 6

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