A/HRC/44/4 63. Iraq commended Kyrgyzstan on the national strategy for development for the period 2018–2040 and the programme on combating trafficking in persons for the period 2017– 2020. 64. Ireland called for the full implementation of the Human Rights Committee Views of 31 March 2016 regarding the detention of Azimjan Askarov (CCPR/C/116/D/2231/2012) and supported the calls from international bodies for his release. 65. Italy commended Kyrgyzstan on the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the adoption of the national action plan on human rights. 66. Japan welcomed the amendments to the Criminal Code and the Family Code to prevent underage marriage but was concerned about reports of violence against women and girls, including bride kidnapping. 67. Kenya noted with appreciation the establishment of the National Centre for the Prevention of Torture and the action plans on the elimination of racial discrimination and on combating terrorism. 68. Kuwait welcomed the establishment in 2018 of the Religious Council and the adoption of the programme to support families and children. 69. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic appreciated the progress made in implementing recommendations from the second universal periodic review cycle, especially in advancing gender equality, poverty reduction and education. 70. Latvia welcomed the information regarding the cooperation of Kyrgyzstan with the special procedures mechanisms. 71. Lithuania welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the legislative measures to protect women’s and children’s rights. 72. Maldives recognized the legislative amendments to the Constitution that came into effect in January 2019 to enhance fair trial processes and the independence of the judiciary. 73. Mexico recognized the reform of legislation on migration in 2019 that ensured that irregular migration and undocumented stay were no longer considered crimes. 74. Mongolia commended Kyrgyzstan on the Law on the prevention and protection against family violence and urged Kyrgyzstan to implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 75. Montenegro welcomed the adoption of the human rights action plan and enquired about measures to enforce the laws criminalizing bride kidnapping and child marriage. 76. Myanmar commended Kyrgyzstan on the human rights action plan, 2019–2021, and on its various guidelines, particularly to assist women and children who were victims of various forms of violence. 77. Namibia commended Kyrgyzstan on the adoption of a strengthened Law on the prevention and protection against family violence in 2017 and the criminalization of domestic violence in 2019. 78. Nepal appreciated the implementation of the national sustainable development strategy, 2018–2040, and various social protection measures, especially for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. 79. The Netherlands welcomed the national gender action plan and the law on domestic violence and regretted the lack of progress regarding the protection of LGBTI persons. 80. The Niger noted the progress made by Kyrgyzstan in the field of human rights since the previous universal periodic review cycle. 81. Nigeria hailed the efforts to strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks for the promotion and protection of human rights and the efforts to develop the juvenile justice system. 82. Oman noted the strategies and legislation to strengthen human rights, particularly the judicial reform programme. 6