A/HRC/40/12 39. Lithuania congratulated the Central African Republic on the ratification of several important United Nations human rights treaties since the previous review in 2013 and looked forward to further improvements to the human rights situation in the country. 40. Luxembourg welcomed the adoption of the new Constitution and the new law on gender parity. However, it remained concerned about the security and humanitarian situation. 41. Madagascar welcomed the ratification of treaties as well as the establishment of the Special Criminal Court in 2015 and the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in 2017. 42. Maldives welcomed the policy measures taken in various sectors, including the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the National Social Protection Policy and the National Strategic Plan for Housing. 43. Mali commended the Central African Republic for its ratification of treaties and for its establishment of a system of transitional justice by creating the Truth, Justice, Reparation and National Reconciliation Commission and appointing its members. 44. Mauritius noted several legislative amendments, initiatives and programmes that had been implemented in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, with the aim of improving literacy, alleviating poverty and improving infrastructure and basic services. 45. Mexico noted the establishment of the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the ratification of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. 46. Montenegro welcomed the new Constitution, the enhanced cooperation among national institutions and efforts to establish institutional and normative human rights frameworks. It urged the country to investigate sexual violence and the forced recruitment of women and girls and to support victims. 47. Morocco welcomed the establishment of institutions, including the National Mediation Council, the Special Criminal Court, the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and the health policy. 48. Mozambique expressed appreciation for the contributions to peace and stability made by MINUSCA, the ratification of human rights treaties, the National Recovery and Peacebuilding Plan and the steps taken to abolish the death penalty. It noted the negative impact of attacks from armed groups on people’s rights. 49. Nepal welcomed the 2016 Constitution, the National Recovery and Peacebuilding Plan 2017–2021, the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the ratification of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. 50. The Netherlands expressed approval of the engagement with the Independent Expert. It remained concerned about sexual violence against women and internal displacement, urging the country to ensure accountability for human rights violations. 51. The Niger welcomed the ratification of treaties and the adoption of two acts, one ensuring employment gender parity and the other establishing the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. It encouraged implementation of the National Recovery and Peacebuilding Plan 2017–2021. 52. Nigeria welcomed the country’s cooperation with human rights mechanisms, the ratification of treaties, the strengthening of the human rights framework and efforts to promote peace and reconciliation. 53. Norway welcomed the establishment of the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and commitments to abolish the death penalty. It was concerned about increasing sexual and gender-based violence. 54. The Philippines commended the country for the 2016 Constitution and the legal measures it had taken with regard to sexual violence and gender equality in employment. It acknowledged the ratification of treaties, including a protocol on children’s rights. 6 GE.19-00176