A/HRC/42/9 73. The delegation of Dominica stressed that, in addition to seeking to reduce the incidence of violence against women and children, the Government wished to reduce violence overall, with a view to eliminating all forms of violence against persons. 74. The Government was very committed to the provision of health care for all citizens. Health care was free for all citizens 16 years of age and under or 60 years of age and above. New medical centres and hospitals were being built, and funds were allocated for training doctors and nurses. 75. After enacting the Protection against Domestic Violence Act in 2001, the Government had been examining the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States domestic violence act with a view to aligning such legislation across the region. A comparison of the two instruments had revealed few divergences; in some cases, the Protection against Domestic Violence Act of Dominica covered areas not captured by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States instrument. 76. Legislation in Dominica provided for equal pay for equal work, with no distinction made between men and women. 77. Italy acknowledged the efforts made by Dominica to tackle gender-based violence, including through the amendment of the Sexual Offences Act, the implementation, in cooperation with United Nations agencies, of projects aimed at raising awareness on the issue, and the provision of assistance to affected persons. Italy appreciated the efforts made by Dominica in the fields of education and health, including the provision of free access with the aim of including those who were the most vulnerable. Italy also noted the implementation of measures aimed at reducing poverty among, and increasing the social protection of, older persons and persons with disabilities. 78. Kyrgyzstan recognized the significant challenges faced by the Government and noted efforts made by Dominica to promote and protect human rights in the country, namely by combating poverty and advancing women’s empowerment, gender equality and the rights of children to education and to health care. 79. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic commended efforts by Dominica to fulfil its commitments and to ensure the promotion and protection of the rights of all Dominicans. It welcomed in particular the national gender policy, aimed at promoting and protecting women’s and children’s rights on an equal basis. 80. Maldives commended Dominica for all the efforts and measures taken to protect the rights of its people. In particular, it took positive note of the Climate Resilience Act, passed by Parliament in 2018. Maldives was also encouraged by the establishment of the Climate Resilience Execution Agency of Dominica, aimed at promoting the swift and cost-effective recovery of Dominica from climate-related disasters. 81. Mexico recognized the progress made with respect to the previous cycle, including the adoption of the National Child Protection Action Plan, in May 2018, the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act, which criminalized marital rape, and the national programmes for the alleviation of poverty carried out within the framework of the Government’s Growth and Social Protection Strategy (2014–2018). 82. Montenegro noted the efforts made by Dominica in promoting and protecting human rights, and highlighted the difficulties caused by multiple natural disasters, which had severely affected the economy, human welfare and infrastructure in Dominica. Montenegro took note of the concerns of the United Nations subregional team for Barbados and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States on the persistence of child abuse and on the lack of legislation and national policy on the rights of persons with disabilities. Montenegro considered the abolition of the death penalty to be a priority. It encouraged the Government to avail itself of the assistance offered by OHCHR to establish a national mechanism for reporting and follow-up. 83. Myanmar commended the country’s efforts to uphold the fundamental rights of its citizens in line with international standards, despite the challenges it faced. Myanmar was encouraged by the commitment of, and measures adopted by, the Government to prevent 9