A/HRC/42/9 62. France welcomed the members of the delegation of Dominica and thanked them for their presentation. While noting that the human rights situation in Dominica was satisfactory, France stressed that progress still needed to be made in order to advance and consolidate human rights protection in several areas. 63. Georgia expressed appreciation for the efforts made by Dominica to implement the recommendations from the previous universal periodic review cycle. It noted that, in 2015 and 2017, natural disasters had severely affected the country’s economy, infrastructure, natural resources and human welfare. Georgia commended Dominica for the adoption of the National Child Protection Action Plan, and noted with appreciation the adoption of numerous child welfare bills, including the model children (care and adoption) bill and the child justice bill. 64. Germany commended the progress made by Dominica in women’s rights and the protection of children against abuse through the amendment of the Sexual Offences Act in 2016. It made recommendations. 65. Ghana congratulated Dominica for rising from the ashes of Tropical Storm Erica and Hurricane Maria, and for its work aimed at building a resilient society committed to ensuring the full enjoyment of human rights by its people. It welcomed the progress made by Dominica in gender parity, the combating of domestic and sexual violence, poverty alleviation and education. Ghana noted that Dominica had accepted recommendations to ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment during the second review cycle, and welcomed that the commitment had been reaffirmed in April during a visit to the country by a high-level delegation from the Convention against Torture Initiative. 66. Guyana recognized the devastation faced by Dominica after Tropical Storm Erica and Hurricane Maria, and congratulated Dominica for its resilience and for the efforts made to recover and rebuild the country. It took note of the Prime Minister’s declared intention to make Dominica the first climate-resilient country. Guyana commended Dominica for beginning the ratification process for several human rights treaties, and for its efforts in addressing gender-based violence. 67. Haiti took note of efforts made by Dominica to improve living conditions in the country, especially for those affected by Tropical Storm Erica and the Hurricane Maria. Haiti congratulated Dominica for its National Resilience Development Strategy 2030, a document that was key in efforts to make Dominica the first climate-resilient country. 68. Honduras congratulated Dominica for the results achieved in the implementation of the previous recommendations received, especially those related to combating poverty. It also congratulated Dominica for the adoption of the Climate Resilience Act. 69. Iceland recognized the devastating effects of the natural disasters in Dominica and the significant strides in social inclusion and gender equality that Dominica had made prior to Hurricane Maria. Iceland welcomed steps taken by Dominica to prosecute officials who had committed abuses. However, it deeply regretted intolerance regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in the country. 70. Indonesia expressed appreciation for the Government’s commitment to uphold existing international human rights mechanisms, and for the Cabinet’s imminent approval of the ratification of the Convention against Torture. Indonesia also welcomed the State’s continued efforts to review its National Resilience Development Strategy 2030 in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. 71. Iraq thanked Dominica for its presentation of the national report and made recommendations. 72. Ireland recognized that Dominica was particularly vulnerable to climate-related disasters and related challenges. It welcomed the State’s commitment to becoming a climate-resilient nation, including through the adoption of the Climate Resilience Act and the establishment of a climate-resilience executive agency. Ireland also commended measures taken by Dominica to combat gender-based violence, such as the amendment of the Sexual Offences Act, and urged Dominica to continue progress in that area. 8